Basics of Biblical Greek μι verbs

Basics of Biblical Greek. Chapter Overview for Chapter 36.

Why Senior Pastors Should Care About Church Communications

Church communications is everything the church communicates. It involves the announcements, the handouts and signage, but it’s much more than that. It encompasses the overall heart and the big picture message of the church.

That sounds like something that should hit the radar of the senior leader.

From championing the vision to communicating one message, the leader of the organization needs to be involved in church-wide communications.

Three reasons pastors should care about church communications:

1. Your messages communicate your message.

The overall message of the church is really a combination of all the messages people receive. Those messages are heard through sermons, but also through printed pieces, Facebook posts and signs around the facility.

It’s completely possible that your church communications are counteracting the messages you’re preaching.

Big picture themes like gospel, grace, family, quality, hope and the Bible are all communicated through church communications in addition to the sermon. Senior pastors and preachers care a great deal about the message of the sermon, but it’s time to widen our gaze and consider the overall message of the church.

2. Clarity is your friend.

When it comes to theology, the Gospel and preaching the Bible, clarity is important. We don’t want to create confusion about how people begin a relationship with Jesus and what it means to be a Christian.

So when it comes to church communications, pastors and church leaders need to fight for clarity as well.

What do you want people to do? What do you want people to think? Where do you want people to go?

These kind of clarifying questions should influence everything we communicate, whether it’s from the pulpit or the email newsletter. Senior pastors and leaders should care that the message of the church is clear.

3. People will get to know you before they come and visit you.

A massive shift has taken place over the last few years. People conduct informal research before doing just about anything. They collect data from a wide variety of sources before making decision on what kind of car to buy, what soccer program is best and what church to attend.

Potential attenders will visit your website before visiting your church. They will ask their friends and followers for recommendations. They will hear the word on the street.

Everything you communicate makes its way into the psyche of the people. It’s why one sermon doesn’t counteract a reputation.

-Tim Peters

List of Paul's Prayers

1. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. [Romans 1:8–10]
2. Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. [Romans 10:1]
3. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [Romans 12:12]
4. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Romans 15:5–6]
5. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]
6. I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen. [Romans 15:30–33]
7. I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way— in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. [1 Corinthians 1:4–9]
8. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. [1 Corinthians 16:23]
9. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. [2 Corinthians 1:3–7]
10. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? [2 Corinthians 2:14–16]
11. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has give you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! [2 Corinthians 9:12–15]
12. To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” [2 Corinthians 12:7–9a]
13. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. [2 Corinthians 13:7–9]
14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. [Galatians 6:18]
15. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  [Ephesians 1:3.]
16. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. [Ephesians 1:15–23]
17. For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. [Ephesians 3:14–21]
18. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. [Ephesians 6:19–20]
19. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. [Philippians 1:3–6]
20. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. [Philippians 1:9–11]
21. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Phil. 4:6–7]
22. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. [Philippians 4:23]
23. We always thank God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. [Colossians 1:3–14]
24. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [Colossians 4:2–4]
25. We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 1:2–3]
26. And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. For you, brothers, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. [1 Thessalonians 2:13–16]
27. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. [1 Thessalonians 3:9–13]
28. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. [1 Thessalonians 5:23–24]
29. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. [1 Thessalonians 5:28]
30. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.  [2 Thessalonians 1:3-4]
31. With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. [2 Thessalonians 1:11–12]
32. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. [2 Thessalonians 2:16–17]
33. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. [2 Thessalonians 3:2–5]
34. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. [2 Thessalonians 3:16]
35. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. [1 Timothy 1:12]
36. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [1 Timothy 2:1-3]
37. I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. [2 Timothy 1:3–7]
38. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. [2 Timothy 1:16–18]
39. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. [2 Timothy 4:22]
40. Grace be with you all. [Titus 3:15b]
41. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. [Philemon 4–7]
42. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. [Philemon 25]

𝗕𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳

The other day I was watching a video lecture of the  New Testament Greek by Bill Mounce. At a point in the lecture, Bill couldn't readily recall the meaning of a particular word as he navigated through the Greek New Testament. Unfazed, he gracefully said something like, "sometimes you forget these things, and you need to keep going back to familiarise yourself with the root words." And then he remembered and continued. 

I was won by his simplicity and sincerity. We are talking about a New Testament Scholar of over 50 years, who has contributed immensely to the development of the study of New Testament Greek and other Bible study tools and resources for ministers and theological educators, globally. He wasn't bothered by the fact that the meaning of the word skipped him in a moment, he didn't feel awkward or embarrassed. He didn't even have that part edited out of the video. He was just his natural self.

That really got me, and it further reinforced my resolve to be my authentic self, wherever, whenever. I know leaders and persons who haven't achieved a pint of Bill's accomplishments, who put on airs, because of their newly assumed status or the label attached to their role. It is more commonplace in church circles. They strut about feeling high and mighty. Everything embarrasses them. They can't afford to concede a mistake. They pretend to know all the answers. Suddenly, they lose their humanity because they seemed to have moved up the social ladder. It's all smokescreen lifestyle, in Fela's parlance, 𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘳𝘢.

Why put yourself under perpetual pressure, trying to be what you are not? Why live your life trying to prove a point?  Who cares? Don't kid yourself, we can see through you. Your insecurities are glaring. Not even your sanctimonious facade or super-spiritual exterior can do the cover-up for you. We know it when you goof. That's why you are always defensive. You want to explain everything away. It sucks! Even Jesus, who is divine, as he is human, wasn't afraid of being vulnerable when he was here. He wept. He showed tiredness. He expressed hunger. He engaged with unlikely persons. He connected with everyday people. He was real. He was authentic.

To be authentic, you need to acknowledge and embrace your humanity. You act in ways that show your true self and how you feel. Rather than showing people only a particular side of yourself, you express your whole self genuinely. That way you give others the leverage to live out their humanity around you. You also enjoy the empathy of others when you err. More importantly, you benefit from God's immersive grace, because He gives more grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Paul the Apostle, a real example of an authentic person and leader, could confidently say to the Corinthians, " For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you" (2 Cor 1:12).

What does your own authenticity testimonial read?

#sundayhomily

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

Many Christians today are not only uninformed about basic theology, they are hostile to it. Obviously people fight what they do not understand. 

Misconceptions, stereotypes, myths and false impressions about theology abound- even within Christian circles. We all need theology. Theology seeks to clarify and articulate Christian doctrine. There is more. 

Theological reflection ought to foster godly spirituality and obedient discipleship. Indeed good theology will make believers stronger, better informed and consequently more effective disciples. 

We engage in theology because theological reflection grounds our lives in biblically informed Christian truth. It fosters maturity so that we may become stable believers in the fleeting times we live in. 

Theology is also a check on the hocus-pocus that is being auctioned by many errorists in the body of Christ, who display the  fickleness of their imaginations and concocted experience as standards for what is true. Theology exposes and confounds such folly and futile fancies.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱

Timothy grew up in Lystra, in a small Greek community, nevertheless, a Greek community steeped in idolatry and in a culture that was anti-Christian. 

Despite the prevailing culture, Timothy turned out to be a young man with good character (Acts 16:2), nurtured by his mother and grandmother, from whom he inherited his genuine faith (2 Tim. 1:5). Certainly, he had been equipped (furnished), fully trained with the right values against the fascination of a contrary culture that had profound effect on what young people believe about God, truth and reality.

Today, our young people are growing up in a postmodern culture that propagates the view that "if it works, it's right for you." How equipped are they to engage the sloppy and slippery influences manifest in the culture?

Timothy had role models in Lois, Eunice and Paul. How well are we as adults (parents, guardians, counsellors, pastors) modelling the faith for our young people? Our teenagers appear to be more taken to Hollywood celebrities (icons of popular culture) as their role models. 

Timothy was nurtured with the Scriptures that introduced him to, and instructed him in the way of salvation. Our kids are being fed with the platitudes of legalistic dos and don'ts or at best motivational self-help tips that are inadequate in setting them on the path of life.

Getting our teenagers "Furnished" should not be another fancy trope for a youth ministry event. The process of getting them furnished (equipped, adequate, fully trained) for every good action in an increasingly bad world, should start with us (adults) as facilitators of authentic faith, not 'religion', showing them the way of life. 

We must grill them through the furnace of the inspired Scriptures, in sound teaching, rebuking wrongdoing, correcting faulty notions, and instructing them continuously in the right principles.

It is significant to note that no reformation can be permanent which is not based on the principles of the word of God. This is why in getting our youths furnished for life and living, nothing can substitute the Scriptures. 

Our youths must be made to understand that popular culture will fade away, lofty sounding ideologies will fail, because this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever (1John 2:17).

Like Timothy, they should be open to learning and spiritual formation based on God's word. It is in the place of formation that conviction is birthed and built. Conviction is what gives stability against contrary waves of influences. Conviction is proof of being #furnished.

#sundayhomily #teensweek #foursqaureteens

CREATED (Isaiah 43:1-7)

God affirms that He created you. When you hear that what does it mean to you? Read and understand 5 significations of the truth that you are created!

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲. You not are here by mistake or accident- there's a purpose for your existence. You are not a nonentity- you are significant in God's grand plan for humanity. That's why you must live your life circumspectly and purposefully.

 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲. God loves you. He knows you and calls you by name. He is personally and intimately involved in your life. You are a product of His desire. He ransomed you from sin and Satan. You don't have to earn His love. He chose to love you. While you were yet sinner Christ died for you. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲. He called you His own. You are precious and special to Him. He honors you and dignifies you. You are highly endowed. You are the masterpiece of His creation. That's why you can't allow anything or anybody to devalue your worth. You can't allow yourself to be messed up. You are God's priceless possession.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. He protects and preserves you. Even when you go thru hell and highwater, He is with you and will deliver you. In terrifying and difficult situations, He is your buckler and refuge. Because of His purpose, providence and premium over your life, calamity will skip you. Even when you go astray and wander off, He will restore you and stabilize you. Keep trusting Him. Never forget He is your only option in times of trouble.

 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆. You are created in His image and likeness. You resemble and represent Him. You are created for His glory. You must #represent. Whatever you become, wherever you are, whatever you do, your life must bring glory to Him. It is in Him you live, it is in Him you move, it is in Him you have your being. The more your life glorifies Him, the more you are dignified.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲

Peter and John were arrested and thrown into jail for preaching in the temple about Jesus Christ. This was after God had used them to heal the lame beggar at the beautiful gate. The crowd who saw the miracle happen had become Peter and John’s followers and this didn’t go down well with the Jewish rulers.  So, they got them locked up and tried to intimidate them. Peter and John, however, wouldn’t be intimidated, they boldly replied their captors: "Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there's no question — we can't keep quiet about what we've seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20, MSG) Since the Jewish authorities, couldn’t find any reason to continue to hold the disciples, they had to let them go—but not without some more threats. 

However, it appeared the authorities’ threats didn’t do much in wearing out the courage of the apostles. After their release, Peter and John headed back to their friends and fellow believers to let them in on what had happened. It felt good to be in good company and to unburden their trouble. They were not alone in this. Being in the company of their friends, who shared their sufferings boosted their courage to hold on to their conviction. A friend in need is a friend indeed. 

It wasn’t just about the company. It was also that they knew the right thing to do when there was trouble. They prayed. They prayed together. They prayed aright. They didn’t go into a panicky frenzy at the threats of the authorities. They acknowledged that God was greater than the difficulty they were faced with. They were more confident in the majesty of God than to be confounded by the mess they were in. Their courage was bolstered by the word of God and by the testimonies of those who had walked the journey of faith before them. 

In their prayers, they weren’t bothered about self-preservation or the destruction of their enemies. They saw the threats of the authorities as being against God’s purpose for which they lived— the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the purpose that motivated them to pray. For this same cause, Herod, Pilate, the power of Rome and of the Jews put together had tried to stop Jesus, but they failed. In the face of threats, they prayed for boldness to be committed to the purpose of God for their lives— preaching the Gospel. No power could scare away the purpose of God in and for their lives. It wasn’t just about them, it was about purpose!

As they brought their prayers to a close, they prayed for the miraculous to happen in their ministry of the Word. This line of the prayer is indicative of their faith in the supernatural workings of God. As they participated in God’s purpose, they also wanted to experience God’s power being manifest through them. For sure, when the power of God becomes apparent in and through their lives, just as it happened in the case of Peter and John in the healing of the lame beggar, they couldn’t be bothered about the hostilities of the authorities. 

The fact that we are identified as children of God and followers of Christ, targets us for challenges that would want to shake the very core of our conviction. However, in the place of prayer, not motivated by fear, vengefulness, or despair; but by absolute trust in God, and in the joy of the company and fellowship of our God-given friends and family, we should take courage in the purpose for which we have been called and the power of God to back this purpose and to preserve us in Christ for the hope of our calling. God's purpose for our lives, his power, and his promises to us are greater than our predicament. 

#sundayhomily

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲

John Stott told a story, in his book, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, about David Hume, the eighteenth-century British deistic philosopher and skeptic, who rejected historic Christianity. A friend once met him hurrying along a London street and asked him where he was going. Hume replied that he was going to hear George Whitefield preach. Whitefield was an English Anglican priest and evangelist who along with the Wesleys founded the Methodist movement. He was the most popular preacher of the Evangelical Revival in Great Britain and the Great Awakening in America. "But surely," Hume's friend asked in astonishment, "you don’t believe what Whitefield preaches, do you?" "No, I don’t," answered Hume, "but he does."

The above anecdote demonstrates the significance of the authenticity of the pulpit ministry even in a post-truth era. The pulpit ministry is indispensable to Christianity, because, like Stott wrote, "Christianity is based on the truth that God chose to use words to reveal himself to humanity." God’s speech makes our speech mandatory. The preacher must speak what God has spoken. Hence, preaching is a mandate for the minister of God’s word. 

The mandate should not be seen as merely an obligation. Preaching must be driven by conviction (2 Cor 4:13). Preaching should not be an expression of ecclesiastical opinion or an articulation of ethical platitudes. The preacher’s message must flow out of conviction-- conviction in divine revelation; conviction in historic Christian faith. Conviction goes beyond mental assent or subjective opinion. A preacher must be so thoroughly convinced that what he is saying is true that he can take a stand for it regardless of the consequence. It is conviction that makes the message compelling even in the face of contrary beliefs or views. Hume couldn’t resist Whitefield’s conviction.  

These days sermons have receded into nothing but TEDx speeches. The preacher has to be politically correct and culturally sensitive. Emphasis is now on the elegance of speech and showmanship. Of course, the pulpiteer would rather court the cheering and charity of an audience of entertainment seekers, with itching ears, rebuffing sound and wholesome doctrine, and seeking for what will suit and satisfy their indulgence in greed and falsehood (II Tim.4: 3-4).

However, whether it is favorable or unfavorable, convenient or inconvenient, acceptable or unacceptable, popular or unpopular; the preacher has the mandate to declare God’s word with a sense of authority. The minister of the word must be ever willing to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction; disregarding the nuances of the increasingly relativistic audience, who are out to make ear-candies of preachers.

The preacher should not be drawn into remixing his message to suit the untamed postmodernity of his listeners. He is supposed to be a model of truth, dignity and purity, "teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity, having the strictest regard for truth and purity in motive, with dignity and seriousness” (Titus 2:7).

Those who must preach the word must denounce their lust for the ovation of the crowd and do the work of the ministry as it is meant to be done. What makes a good minister is not in the amount of crowd he is able to gather around himself, but in his unflagging resolve to speak the truth in love anytime anywhere.

#CERULLO

Like Onesimus who was a slave to Philemon of Colossae, but who according to tradition evolved to become the bishop of Ephesus, after Timothy, Dr. Morris Cerullo, rose from the tatters of a very difficult childhood and inauspicious beginnings, to become a world renowned evangelist, taking the Gospel round the world.

Orphaned too early in life, following the death of his immigrant parents in an automobile accident, young Morris was raised in various orphanages. His Christian journey began at age 14 with the guidance of a nurse in one of the orphanages. 

Running away from a Jewish orphanage, whose directors had tried to restrict him from practicing certain matters of his new faith, Morris began preaching the gospel at the age of 16. Since then, until yesterday when he finally transited into glory, at the age of 88, he never looked back from putting his hand on the plow in the life and service of God's kingdom.

As I reflect and write now, I recount the many great leaders Dr. Cerullo raised, (especially in Africa) and many more millions his life touched, and the implications of such awesome and immersive (with the globalisation of communication technology) influence for global Christianity.

As I reminisce and celebrate the life of this general of faith, I'm awed by what God can do with a 'nobody' in bringing about His purpose in redemption. He specializes in translating from obscurity into significance. Paul wrote on how God chooses things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chooses things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful (1 Cor 1:27).

My insight is also deepened about Jesus' parable of the mustard seed as a metaphor of the kingdom (Matthew 13:31–32). Who would've imagined that the tiny seed of the faith planted in the heart of a teenage Morris by that unnamed nurse, in an obscure orphanage, would become a mighty oak of enduring legacies?

Indeed, as I solemnize the life and ministry of Dr. Cerullo, I also pray that I would be a planter of seeds of enduring legacies. May saviors rise from my influence!

#sundayhomily

Watching the Weather?

Who else is still waiting for things to return to normal? It's going to be a long futile wait. Things aren't ever going to be the same. Change happens. It is inevitable. Life goes on. It is how we deal with change that makes a difference. 

Don't be like Hem, in Spencer Johnson's parable, 'Who Moved My Cheese', who preferred to stay in his comfort zone, ignoring the reality of the situation, waiting for things to return to normal. He felt entitled and chose to remain in a cheeseless situation, instead of forging ahead to new horizons.

King Solomon admonishes, "Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest" (Eccl 11:4, NLT). Don't be a weather watcher. There's no perfect timing. Changing times require a new mindset. This is the time to seize the moment, ride on the waves of time and make new discoveries.

Typically, we get fixated on the past. We get stuck in the nostalgia of how things used to be. It's the "good old days" mentality. Another wise counsel from Solomon says, "Don't long for "the good old days." This is not wise (Eccl 7:10). We get hemmed in by longing for the former days and we are blindsided from capturing a desirable future. 

Yes, we may be experiencing extreme and undesirable circumstances or situations. However, right in those circumstances is God's providence, to give us a future filled with hope. But we don't get it by sitting pretty, folding our hands and watching the cloud. We venture in faith into the maze of opportunities to posses the promise of possibilities.

#sundayhomily

Dinghy of Fear

But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here! (Matt 14:27, NLT)

A 30-year-old Bulgarian sailor was trying to reach America from the coast of South West England in a 14 feet dinghy (a type of small boat often carried or towed for use as a ship's boat by a larger vessel). He had no life jacket, no lights, and only had a local map. He got seasick and got caught in the rough sea only five miles off the coast in an attempt to sail 3,000 miles to America. His American dream was going to be scuttled, before it barely started.

Jesus’ disciples were in a dinghy of fear just like the Bulgarian sailor. At Jesus’ instruction, they had gone into the boat to go ahead of Him to the other side. But as they got farther into the sea, the wind became contrary threatening to sink them. Panicky, they struggled and grappled for their lives. When Jesus showed up, their fear multiplied as they took Him for a ghost, because He walked on the water. 

Don’t our hearts get clutched by fear, at the slightest rocking of our boat? Don’t our hearts pound with trepidation, when we get caught in stormy circumstances? We forget quickly who we are and whose we are. We don’t recall God’s assurance: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) 

What are you afraid of? What is threatening to sink your boat? The bills are rising, you are out of a job, circumstances in your life are uncertain. Be calm, your circumstances can’t be more real than God’s assurances to you. John said, if you are afraid, it’s because you have not fully experienced His perfect love (1John 4:18). Right in the storm Jesus is present and calling you to “take courage” and come out of your dinghy of fear. So you can step over the rough sea of your life!

“There is no illusion greater than fear.” ― Lao Tzu

#sundayhomily

Responsive Father

"What father among you, if his son asks... If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children..."

The provost of the seminary where I teach is a doting father. I have always observed with admiration his relationship with his sons. All grown up boys still cluster around him, with confidence and filial certitude, savouring the endearment of their father who never gets tired of responding to their requests. Not once have I seen the provost shown a sign of reluctance, in furnishing the entreaties of his sons. 

In buttressing the point that prayer is more about relationship with the Father, than a religious observance, Jesus uses two anecdotes in applying the principles of prayer he wanted his disciples to learn. First, is the case of an Unwilling Neighbour (Luke 11: 3-5). This, however, is not my focus in this post.

Second, is the allusion to Responsive Fathers (vv. 11-13):  Except in objectionable instances of child abuse, insensisitivity and an absentee father, which are an outgrowth of the degeneracy in our societies; naturally, earthly fathers are not unkind to their children. 

They do not give injurious gifts or gifts that mock their children’s requests. They do not deceive or disappoint their children in dashing their expectations. They lookout for the well-being of their children and try to please them as best as they could. The provost typifies this kind of responsive fatherhood.

The example of the provost reinforces the point that God, because of who He is, as a holy and loving Father, can only respond to us in perfect kindness and love. He will do much more than our earthly fathers who, though they generally seek to give good gifts, are also sinful and finite in their wisdom. 

He is not an absentee or distant father. He is not insensitive to our needs and longings, even though sometimes we can be immoderate. He still does what's best for us, as an infinitely wise and responsive Father. This should prod in us a filial confidence, when we come to Him in prayer.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us, "...let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (4:16).

#Juneteenth

MORE than two years before June 19, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln had officially outlawed slavery in Texas and the other states in rebellion against the Union. The enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was slow and inconsistent in Texas, so that more than 250 thousand were still enslaved, even though the law had freed them, just because the information regarding their freedom was withheld.

Thanks to the announcement of general Gordon Granger and the ratification of the abolition by the 13th Amendment, the Proclamation held sway at least in principle. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated to commemorate Granger's public restatement of a fact of freedom. 

However, what was the nature of the freedom?

Freedom into what? Freedom into nothingness, freedom into poverty. While European immigrants from impoverished backgrounds, in late 1800s, were being given land opportunities and economic headstart, blacks, who had worked the land in servitude for nearly three hundred years, whose blood, sweat and tears built the economic foundations and prosperity of the American nation, were given no land or gratuity. Right from start their right to survival was disenfranchised. They were disempowered from living out that freedom they had so longed for.

In biblical Hebrew society, a slave was freed after six years of serving, based on the Mosaic regulation of manumission. Freed slaves were not allowed to go empty-handed. They were released with gratuity. "You shall furnish [them] liberally out of your flock, out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress" (Deut15:13-14).

Given that the United States was birthed and formed upon Judeo-Christian principles, one would expect that the 13th Amendment would have adopted the biblical edict of manumission. Christianity in America today is predominantly an evangelical tradition. The reality of that is yet to be seen in upholding a redemptive approach in the integration of blacks into the American society.

One hundred and fifty five years after, blacks in the United States are still grappling with the reality of freedom. The embers of slavery is still being stoked up in racial injustices, whether covertly or overtly, in socioeconomic disparities against African Americans and the almost every day sting of discrimination they suffer because of the colour of their skin.

The ideals of Juneteenth should go beyond an annual celebration and the observance of a national holiday. The true spirit of Jubilee should redefine the application of the 13th Amendment, starting with a reorientation in the psyche of all Americans, whites, blacks and coloureds.

Laying on of Hands

There are certain practices that have been ingrained into our lives, so much that they seem vital and inviolable. We think we can't do without them, especially when they are religious rites. Sometimes, they are so symbolic that we become emotionally and even intellectually connected to them.

In Christianity, laying on of hands is one of such rites. We lay hands to heal the sick. We lay hands to ordain people into leadership roles. We lay hands to impart supernatural graces of the Holy Spirit on others. As a matter of fact, laying on of hands, appears to have become a sacred act that dignifies the person, position and performance of the clergy. It's the means of impartation of power or virtue. It, in a way, validates the preacher and authenticates the ministration.

With the implementation of the guidelines for reopening worship centres, the imposition of hands will have to take on a new form. To lay hands, you'll have to wear gloves. "Sacrilegious! This is the abomination of desolation." Another ecclesiatical outburst against the "bedevilled" guidelines. Perhaps the gloves would hinder the outflow of the anointing. Probably, there's a mystery about the imposition of hands that's yet to be unveiled to some us.

What's really the fuss about? Laying on of hands isn't a magic formula and it does not, as some claim, automatically confer grace. So what, if we now have to wear gloves to lay hands?  What if we were told not to lay hands at all, would that stop healing from taking place? Or does imposing hands in appointing church officers make them extraordinary, without the actual imbuement of the Spirit? 

Yes, Jesus told his disciples, that they would lay hands on sick people and they'll become healthy (Mark 16:18). But Jesus spoke in the indicative, not in the imperative, meaning, laying on of hands isn't a command or an ordinance like the holy communion. He was merely forecasting what the disciples will experience in the foreseeable future. As a Jew, Jesus himself practiced laying on of hands (Mar 5:23; Mat 9:18), and so did the apostles.

Laying on of hands was in effect the fourth element or principle of the Jewish religion, which was borrowed into Christianity. Jews practiced the laying on of hands on a great variety of occasions (Lev 16:21; Lev 24:14; Num 8:12). And as Christianity grew out of Judaism, the ritual was carried over. However, the writer of Hebrews classified the act as an elementary doctrine of Christ (6:2). In other words, laying on of hands belongs to the ABCs of Christianity. There's a higher level.

The Roman centurion understood this level, when Jesus obliged to go over to his house to heal his paralyzed servant. He answered Jesus,  "Sir, you don't have to come to my house, just say the word and my servant will be healed" (Matt 8:8). Jesus was awed at the insight and faith of the Roman officer (v.10). On a higher level, healing or the transmission of the Spirit's power or grace doesn't need any personal contact.

"He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave" (Ps 107:20). Those fussing about wearing gloves to lay hands, should stop throwing tantrums and move on to maturity ( Heb 6:1).

Opening to a New Perspective

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel" (Phil 1:12).

The famous 17th-century puritan preacher and writer John Bunyan was arrested and jailed in England for preaching publicly without a license. At one time, he was incarcerated for twelve years, during which time he wrote many books and pamphlets. It was during his imprisonment that he wrote the Pilgrim's Progress, said to be probably the most famous book ever written in the English language. So, rather than seeing his imprisonment as a great tragedy, Bunyan took an optimistic view of it.

Bunyan's story and perspective, evoke Paul the apostle's attitude, who was also jailed several times on account of the gospel. During his four years of imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome, he wrote epistles that are far more remarkable than Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress.

Paul did not let his predicament and subjective anxieties cloud his objective belief in God's truth. He didn't lose his sense of purpose or mission, despite a crisis situation. He saw his 'lockdown' as an opportunity for advancing the gospel. He saw the big picture. He didn't allow persecution and prison to rob him of his joy, composure, confidence, compassion for others, focus on what mattered most, and devotion to God.

As we navigate through these uncertain times, we should draw insights from Bunyan and Paul.  As Christians, we are people of light, we shouldn't let our vision be blurred or befuddled by the vicissitudes of these dark and dire times. We can't allow our subjective feelings to obscure our ability to act on God's truth in such a time as this. If we are slack in the day of distress, our strength is limited (Prov 24:10).

Come what may, the Church must not lose sight of the big picture, we should keep moving forward because the gospel isn’t limited by a shutdown, guidelines, or any restriction whatsoever. The church should reach out with gracious expressions of sacrificial love, refocusing on meeting the growing needs of our hurting world. 

We may never be able to fully remove or avoid negative elements in society, but we can ensure that there are more positive vibes being generated than negative ones. Paul's gracious attitude was a great encouragement to others in furtherance of the gospel ( v. 14). Our utterances, in view of ensuing developments, should be gracious and soothing. This is the time to let our "gentleness [graciousness, reasonableness] be apparent to all" (Phil 4:5). We should shy away from making divisive statements that could rile up negative emotions and dim our Christian presence and essence. 

Let's get creative as we leverage the influence of the Holy Spirit to brood over the darkness of our time, and lead us to new discoveries. We should explore innovative ways of motivating one another and engaging our world in care, prayer, discipleship, fellowship, evangelism, and ministry.

In responding to extraordinary times, the church should be willing to go beyond the constraints of traditions, liturgies, places of worship and programmes, to forge ahead with purpose in making an extraordinary impact. We shouldn't be waiting or clamouring for things to return to normal, we should be leveraging the 'new normal'.

The Apostolic Doctrine (Final)

 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

For the past three days, we've been  discussing this topic under the following  points: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. Atmosphere of the doctrine 3. Audience of the doctrine  4. Attitude for the doctrine 

Today, we are concluding the series with the last point: 

 Augmentation of the doctrine

Finally we come to the augmentation of the apostolic doctrine. Here, I mean the reinforcement of the teaching of the apostles. What were those factors that bolstered or reinforced the teaching, with regards to its effect in the lives of the people? 

First, they were in fellowship. This obviously was an extension of the atmosphere of unity and love that abound. And because there was fellowship, they looked out for one another in their walk of faith. They were one another’s keeper. This is very significant. We must understand and emphasise the ‘community’ in the community of faith. We can’t afford to be on a solo run in the race of faith. Let’s take a cue from Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” (5:11) The writer of Hebrew, harps on the same point more extensively, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, … And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:23-25)  

Second, they prayed. Prayer propels the heart to respond rightly to truth. Prayer was expressed in supplications to God for an increase of grace and life in their own souls; for establishment in the truth which they had received, and for the extension of the kingdom of Christ in the lives of people. Prayer is very key in bringing about the kind of response required for the apostolic doctrine. 

Lastly, there was the miraculous. Many miraculous signs and wonders were performed by the apostles. The wonders were miracles that evoked a deep sense of awe in the people and the signs were miracles pointing to a divine truth, which authenticated the veracity of the apostles. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you” (2 Cor 12:12). Similarly, we read from Hebrews 2:3 that God confirmed the message of truth— the apostolic doctrine, by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. The miraculous was a signpost that the things that were being taught were real. Paul said, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Cor 4:20.) Further, he reminded the Thessalonians, “…our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thess 1:5). Wherever the truth is there is power.

 #Conclusion

Today, churches are filled with biblical illiterates. Biblical illiteracy may be expected in secular society, but not in the church. However, it is not surprising that Christians lack biblical knowledge because churches  marginalize the apostolic teaching with lmpunity. Strange teachings and practices have crept into the fold, debilitating the faith and fervour of Christians and the power and influence of the church in the society. A healthy church should be filled with faith-filled, Spirit-filed and Kingdom-minded people, who exhibit the vital signs of new life in Christ and flow in the miraculous. It’s time we got back on our tracks and begin to take urgent and apt action in letting the word of Christ (apostolic doctrine), in all its richness, fill our lives, as we teach and counsel one another in all wisdom.

The Apostolic Doctrine 3

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

The thrust of yesterday's post is that the Apostolic doctrine derives and thrives in the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit and the unity of believers.

Today, we will examine the audience of the doctrine and attitude for the doctrine... 

Audience of the doctrine

I am not concerned about the demographics of the audience here. Rather, what inspires my insight is a single characteristic that defines the audience and its implication. It is significant to reckon here that the apostles were as much an audience of their doctrine as those who received the Gospel and were added to the fold. 

What exactly is significant about the audience of the apostolic doctrine is that they were disciples. A disciple is a learner, a disciple is a follower, a disciple is meek, a disciple is a listener, a disciple is teachable. It is of immeasurable importance for Christians to have a heart that is willing to be taught and receive instruction. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning (Proverbs 9:9). 

The benefits of having a heart that is open to instruction are exemplified in the lives of the disciples. The Word found expression in their lives and produced fruits of a lifestyle that had been impacted by the word of truth. You will recall that It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians, having been under Christ-centred teaching for a whole year  by Barnabas and Paul.

Attitude for the doctrine

Attitude here refers to the disposition of the audience to the apostolic doctrine. Luke reports that they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” The Greek tense of the verb used here implies consistency or persistence, possibly against all odds and with tenacity or intensity. They were consistent and tenacious in attending to the apostolic doctrine. They received it, retained it, and acted on its principles. In other words, they received, retained and responded with the right action. There’s a reception of the word of truth, a retention and a response with corresponding action that demonstrates the impact of truth. We read in Acts 2:41 that disciples received the word with gladness, also, in chapter 17 verse 11, we see the great attitude with which the Bereans received the word. They were open minded and “received the word with all eagerness.”

Tomorrow,  I'll bring you the concluding part of the series. For now, let your heart dwell on what you have read.

Moderation and Decency in Dressing

People's styles in fashion are relative to their culture and socialisation e.g. upbringing, where they have lived or who they've lived with, the influences in their lives, books they've read, places they've been to, nature of their job, the level of exposure they have and so forth.

The issue of decency in dressing is not exclusive to religion. Even atheists and agnostics know what's decent and indecent. In some workplaces, you can't wear certain outfits. They spell out the dress code and it's not based on religious beliefs. It's simply office etiquette. Decency is a social phenomenon, not just a religious ethic. It defines actions that conforms to the recognized standard of propriety or what's socially acceptable.

For me, as a Christian, irrespective of what your style is, your dressing and fashion in general, should be based on (1) decency, that is what is decent, (2) dignity, what is dignifying, (3) what is appropriate, with regards to the nature of the occasion, (for example, I shouldn't wear a beach oufit or what I'll wear to the gym to a church service and vice versa), with regards to the weather, (e.g. the misfit of wearing a sweat shirt in the heat, or wearing sleeveless, when it's cold), with regards to your size and body frame and features, (e.g. a big sized person wearing a tight top, with all the vitals uncomfortably protruding, or a slim figure wearing an oversized attire, is awkward), with regards to aesthetics, ( this is not just about what's the fad, but what fits, a lady wearing slim pants should wear a big top, a man shouldn't wear a striped shirt on a striped trousers etc.) and (4) what glorifies God, my dressing should glorify God, just as everything I do should glorify Him. This subscribes to the principle of imago Dei. As an image bearer, what I wear should rep Whose image I bear.

These four factors should undergird a Christian's dress sense. 

Now, on 'moderation', we have often quoted and applied Philppians 4:5 wrongly, and we typically use it as a stereotype against women's dressing.

First, the scripture has nothing to do with dressing at all, not to talk women dressing or fashion. You'll need to study the passage in context, especially with reference to verse 2.

The word "moderation" as rendered in the KJV actually means, forbearance, gentleness or a gracious attitude and not modesty in dressing, as wrongly assumed and taught by many. The word describes a person who is really free to let go of his anxieties and all the things that cause him stress, because he knows that the Lord will take up his cause. 

Second, if we want to teach modesty, which is a good thing, then we should use appropriate scriptures. Paul and Peter actually touched on modesty in their epistles (1Tim 2:9-10; 1 Pet 3:3-4). However, modesty should not be targeted at women alone, and modesty shouldn't address only dressing. It should touch all aspects of our behavioral disposition, with the propensities for extremes, e.g. eating, drinking, talking, playing, celebrating, entertainment, and so forth.

With particular reference to dressing, it is noteworthy that modesty is relative. The word 'modesty' comes from the Latin word modestus which means "keeping within measure". Standards of modesty are culturally and context-dependent and vary widely. What is modest to Mrs. Alakija may be not be modest to the wife of Apostle Awosanya, 

Mrs. Alakija is a billionaire and a philanthropist, so she can afford to wear a jewellery worth 200, 000 naira, a luxury handbag of 20,000 dollars, an Alexander McQueen vintage gown of only God knows the worth, but for 'Mummy' Apostle Awosanya, all that may be immodest, because given her budget, there are other priorities that require attention, which would be scuttled, if she ventures into the league of Alakija

One significant ethic that should define our modesty is contentment. And contentment is usually defined in the context of what we have and can afford at the moment and not what we would have loved to have in comparison to what others have.

Apostolic Doctrine 2

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

Yesterday  I started a series on the above topic,  being the theme of the Apostolic Summit of Love Revival Lrm ministry, which rounded off yesterday in Sokoto, Nigeria. Apostle Courage Eghosasere Ode is the President of the ministry and Senior Pastor of Love Family  Church. He's been a great inspiration to me in almost every aspect of my life and I thank God for what He is doing through the man of God in our generation. 

I started off by highlighting the five key points on which I intend to espouse the topic,  namely: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. The atmosphere of the doctrine 3. The audience of the doctrine  4. Attitude for the doctrine and 5. Augmentation of the doctrine.

I classified the anatomization of the Apostolic doctrine into the content, subject, and the object of the doctrine. 

Today, let's see how far we can go. I appreciate the comments of some of my friends who took the time to read and let me know they are following the series.  I'm tagging you on this post. May we profit by the illumination of truth in our lives...

The atmosphere of the doctrine

First, we need to reckon that the teaching of the apostles was birthed under the atmosphere of the Spirit’s power and influence. You recall that at the Pentecost there was an outpouring of the Spirit. There was an endowment and empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit. And it was after that experience that Peter caught the boldness to speak and about three thousand were added to the number of the disciples that day. We saw the power of the Spirit upon the apostles and we saw the influence of the Spirit upon those who received the Word because they couldn’t have been able to receive it except by the outworking of the Holy Spirit. 

This is very significant, because you can teach and preach,  and the power and influence of the Spirit could be absent. People may get excited, yell and get into hysteria, and yet there’s no impact; people can get informed and they aren’t transformed, because of the absence of the Spirit’s influence and impact. 

As leaders who communicate God’s word, we must acknowledge that our work is fruitless unless the Holy Spirit is involved.  The Spirit is the author and preserver of Scripture, the teacher and guide of the preacher and, through the words and meaning of Scripture, the power and presence of God at work in the listening congregation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the minister of the Word correctly handles the word of truth, to keep the pattern of sound teaching and guard the good deposit, which brings about an enduring impact in the lives of the hearers. 

The apostolic teaching thrives in the atmosphere of the Spirit’s power and influence. The Illumination, the insight of the Word is by the outworking of the Spirit. The move upon people’s heart to be open and yielded to the word is by the Spirit’s influence. 

An extension of the atmosphere of the Spirit is the atmosphere of unity. Of course, wherever the Spirit of God is there’s bound to be unity, there’s bound to be love. The truth is spoken in love as people respond in love to receive the word of truth. It finds expression in their lives as they begin to transform. When the Holy Spirit activates love in the hearts of people, hope comes alive and they are not offended or frustrated (Rom. 5:5).  Where love abounds, the Spirit helps us to receive with meekness the implanted word as we put away all moral filth and every expression of evil, so that our souls are saved (James 1:21). Where love abounds, truth gains ground and holds sway. We read in Act chapter 6, when the discord between the Jewish and Greek Christians was neutralized and unity was restored, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (verse7).  Where unity is the word of truth will prevail.

I believe you have picked something from today's part of the series. Let your heart be inspired in the place of meditation. We'll meet again tomorrow on this same platform.  Stay blessed!

The Apostolic Doctrine

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

I'd  like to examine this theme from five key points: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. Atmosphere of the doctrine 3. Audience of the doctrine  4. Attitude for the doctrine and 5. Augmentation of the doctrine.

Come with me on a feast of truth... 

 Anatomization of the doctrine

By anatomization, I mean the unloading, analysis— laying bare or making clear, understanding of what the apostles’ doctrine is.  To anatomize the apostles’ doctrine, we will examine the content, the subject and the object (objective} of the doctrine. 

 #Content of the doctrine

 The word doctrine as used in the text simply means teaching. In other words, we mean the apostles’ teaching.  Coming a bit home, we may render it to mean the didactic or ethical instruction as given by the apostles. Luke applies the word apostle (Apostolos) only to the Twelve. Because they had been called by Jesus, had been with Jesus throughout his ministry, and had witnessed his resurrection, they possessed the best possible knowledge of what Jesus had said and done. The apostolic doctrine is not some kind of an esoteric or abstract set of principles, which requires a grotesque initiation rite for one to be acquainted with it. It is simply what the apostles had learnt at the feet of Christ. In other words, the content of the apostles’ teaching was the gospel. John the Apostle confidently and excitedly proclaims, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched — this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). This is the content of the apostolic doctrine!

 #Subject of the doctrine

 The subject of the apostolic doctrine is Christ. It centres on the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Paul said, “We preach Christ crucified…” (1 Cor. 1:23) The apostolic doctrine is Christocentric or Christ centred. It is not human philosophy or denominational dogma. It is not self-help psychology that makes people feel good by promising them false hopes.  Any teaching no matter how phenomenal its sounds, that doesn’t exalt Christ is deception.  Paul also said, “…for we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5). This is very instructive for those of us involved with the ministry of the Word. We must earnestly keep contending for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints by teaching and preaching Christ and not about ourselves. We must be wary of getting mixed up in secret and shameful ways of using deception and distorting the word of God (2 Cor. 4:2). Our teaching must present Christ. It must reveal Christ.  It must magnify Christ.

 #Object of the doctrine

 The goal of apostolic teaching is Christlikeness. “…He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-13). Whether you an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or a teacher, if your ministry is not building up people to people become like Christ, then it is something else.  In view of this, therefore, the apostolic  doctrine is not merely informational, it is transformational. The process of Christlikeness is transformational.