The Memoirs of Flourish Alero Nanna
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Two sides to the Glory of God Pt.2
Theme: Understanding
the Glory of God
Message for Sunday
October 25th 2015
Two sides to the Glory of God Pt.2
Introduction:
Last week, we began to look at two
sides of the glory. We took our text from Mark 10:29-30 where Jesus said:
“… Verily I say unto you,
There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or
mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
But he shall receive an
hundredfold now in this time, houses,
and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and
lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
We saw a few of the
good things of life we are rewarded with and pointed out that these good things
come with persecution. Today, we shall be looking at the persecution side of
the glory and we shall also see how to handle persecution.
First let us define
persecution as the unpleasant experiences we get from others in reaction to our
faith. These experiences include the contradiction of others, envy rooted in
jealousy, rejections of family members and friends and in extreme cases
extermination of life. See Hebrews 12:2-3,
Examples of
persecution in the bible include where Jesus Christ was said to be casting out
devils by the power of evil spirits when he just healed a blind and dumb man in
Matthew 12:22-24.
Another example of
persecution in the bible is seen in Acts 4:21 where Peter and John were
threatened for ministering healing to a man born blind and thereby glorifying
Jesus Christ. They were later arrested and flogged for preaching in the name of
the Lord.
Another example of
persecution is seen in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ due to the envy
of the religious leaders of His time. See Matthew 27:18 and Mark 15:10.
Another example of
persecution is seen in the selling of Joseph into Egypt by his brothers as
described by Stephen in Acts 7:9 Stephen was stoned to death by the Jews being
persecuted for his faith.
Another example of
Persecution is when the Jews spoke against the message preached by Paul and his
companion out of envy that people went out to hear them in large numbers. This
is why Church growth by the hand of God is a breeding ground for the
persecution of others who desire it but are not paying the price to get it. See
Acts 13:45 and Acts 17:5.
Another example of
persecution was the case of the man born blind who was healed by the Lord in
John 9. The religious leaders excommunicated him for affirming the Lordship of
Jesus Christ. See John 9:28-34.
We can go on and on
about persecution but for want of space and time, let us quickly see how to
handle persecution.
1. Forgive your persecutors Matthew
5:11-12, Mk.11:24-25.
2. Leave their environment as the Holy
Spirit leads you. Matthew 10:23, Ps.1:1-3.
3. Pray for your persecutors. Matthew
5:44, Luke 6:28. This is because they do not know what they are doing. Our
prayers help to open their eyes to the truth so that they can come to the
saving knowledge of the Lord. See the example of Jesus Christ and Stephen in
Luke 23:34, Rom.12:14 and Acts 7:59-60.
4. Understand that their unjustifiable
persecution sets the pace for your divine promotions so you can walk in love
without striving with them knowing that Jesus left us an example to walk in His
steps. See Matt.5:11-12, John 15:20, 1Peter 2:19-23 [We ought to live above
reproach so that the persecution we endure is not justified].
5.
Recognize
the difference between persecution and lawlessness. The latter requires that
you press legal charges to stop it’s continuation. For example, when people
steal from you because of your faith or slander you in such a way that would
adversely affect your business or met out injustice to you. This is why Apostle
Paul appealed to Caesar when Felix cunningly kept Paul bound unlawfully in the
hope that Paul would bribe his way out of Prison in Acts 24:25-27 and Acts
25:9-12.
Anointing service for
grace to handle persecution wisely: Pray for the outpouring of the Glory of God
to enable us enjoy the benefits of glory and endure trials as the need arises.
However, this blessing is meant for those who have entered
into the covenant relationship of the New Birth with the Lord. The bible says
that Christ in you is the hope of glory and this mystery was hidden from the
foundation of the world for our glory. They are not hidden from us but for us
to be able to discover them. If you desire this new birth experience so as to
take advantage of what God has given us, you can do so right away by saying the
following prayer out loud in faith and you will be saved and granted access to
the mysteries of God that would enable you manifest His glory on earth. When
Jesus was about to round off His mission on earth, he said he had brought glory
to God by fulfilling His purpose. See John 17:4. If you want to be able to say
the same thing when the time comes, please say the following prayer out loud
and God would honor your faith:
Heavenly Father,
Have mercy on me a sinner. Today, I believe that Jesus died
for me and you raised Him from the dead for my Justification. I therefore
declare that Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Lord and from today, I renounce the
fatherhood of Satan and embrace Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you
for this father in Jesus’ name!
Amen.
Congratulations! For more information and resources that
would help you grow in this new life, please visit our website at www.kingdomheirsministries.org and our blogs at www.flourishinggirl.blogspot.com and follow us on twitter at
alero_nanna and on face book on www.facebook.com/flourishinggirl www.facebook.com/khmii2015; www.facebook.com/thewellbeingcenter. Or www.facebook.com/kingdomjointheirsfamily email: jointheirsfamily@gmail.com.
Remain on top of your challenges in Jesus’ name!
Two sides to the Glory of God Pt.1
Theme: Understanding
the Glory of God
Message for Sunday
October 18th 2015
Two sides to the Glory of God Pt.1
Introduction: Last week we concluded what the Glory of God is and
also saw how we can benefit from it. Today, we shall look at the reality that
the glory of God has two sides to it. This was clearly brought out to us by the
Lord in the gospels where He said in Mark 10:29-30:
“And Jesus answered and
said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren,
or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake,
and the gospel's,
But he shall receive an
hundredfold now in this time, houses,
and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and
lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
In enjoying the glory of God, we are rewarded with
persecutions as well as all the good things of life like wealth, good
relationships, health etc. Through all these, let us understand that God is
good and would not withhold any good thing from us even though we may not fully
understand the persecution bit but we know that God is good. [See Ps.84:11]
Today, we shall be looking at the easier side of the glory.
When we cultivate a relationship with God to the point that
His presence becomes a part of our daily lives, we enjoy uncountable benefits.
Let us see some of these benefits:
1.
Divine provision: when we walk with God and please
Him to the point His glory manifests in our lives, we would never lack any good
thing. In Ps.84:11, we are told that He would not withhold any good thing from
those who walk uprightly. For example, when Jesus walked on Earth as a man, He
never lacked any good thing because he did only those things which pleased the
father. See John 10:17-18. Concerning the early Church who walked in the glory
of God, it was said that none of them lacked anything [Acts 4:32-35]. Also,
when the glory of God led Israel from Egypt for forty years, God supernaturally
supplied them food in the glory. [Deu.8:2-4].
2.
Divine favour: Another thing we benefit in the
glory as we walk with God is divine favour. Only the glory of God can create
room in the heart of another person for you without any strings attached
because man is naturally selfish. In other words, when others look out for your
best interest, it is the favour of God at work and this happens freely in the
glory. See Ex.3:21; 12:36, Acts 2:46-47.
3.
Divine relationships: In the glory, you can easily
cultivate godly relationships with likeminded people who could even become more
of parents, children and siblings to you than your biological family. By the
blood of Christ, we all become blood brothers and sisters and when we learn to
walk in the glory and appreciate those covenant relationships, there are no
ends to the benefits we stand to enjoy from them. See the relationship between
Paul and Timothy in 1Timothy 1:2 - through this relationship, Paul was able to
pass on his legacy to the next generation and posterity in such a way that he
may not have been able to through a biological son. Also, Joshua became a son
to Moses more than his biological sons were so much so that he was more
recognized by posterity than his biological children. See Deu.34:9. Another
example is that of Elijah and Elisha and the Lord and the twelve Apostles of
the Lamb.
4.
Divine protection: In the glory, we are supernaturally
protected from sickness, fears, untimely death etc. For example, there is no
sickness in heaven. When the glory comes down, everywhere the glory is
tabernacled is affected in such a way that it is like living in heaven. So what
cannot happen to you if you were physically in heaven cannot happen to you in
the glory. This is why Israel was able to cross the red sea on dry land while
the Egyptians on the other hand, got drowned in the same red sea. What drowns
others would not drown you. Sickness cannot dwell in the glory so people
receive supernatural healing once the glory comes on them. See the example of
the woman with the issue of blood who contacted the glory through touching the
hem of the Lord’s garment in Mark 5. In Acts 19 also, those sick and demonized
people who touched the glory through Apostle Paul were set free.
5.
Wealth: In the glory, there is great wealth
packaged in wisdom and understanding. This is because God is present in glory
and He gives wisdom in the glory out of His mouth comes knowledge and
understanding [Prov.2:6]. In Proverbs 8:18 we are made to understand that
durable riches can only be acquired through wisdom. Also, see the example of
Solomon in 1Kings 3:11-13.
6.
Divine multiplication: another thing that happens in the
glory is fruitfulness and this leads to multiplication. This is the principle
that Jesus operated to multiply five loaves and two pieces of fish to feed over
five thousand attendees at His crusade. See John 6:1-12 & Luke 9:12-17.
However, this blessing is meant for those who have entered
into the covenant relationship of the New Birth with the Lord. The bible says
that Christ in you is the hope of glory and this mystery was hidden from the
foundation of the world for our glory. They are not hidden from us but for us
to be able to discover them. If you desire this new birth experience so as to
take advantage of what God has given us, you can do so right away by saying the
following prayer out loud in faith and you will be saved and granted access to
the mysteries of God that would enable you manifest His glory on earth. When
Jesus was about to round off His mission on earth, he said he had brought glory
to God by fulfilling His purpose. See John 17:4. If you want to be able to say
the same thing when the time comes, please say the following prayer out loud
and God would honor your faith:
Heavenly Father,
Have mercy on me a sinner. Today, I believe that Jesus died
for me and you raised Him from the dead for my Justification. I therefore
declare that Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Lord and from today, I renounce the
fatherhood of Satan and embrace Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you
for this father in Jesus’ name!
Amen.
Congratulations! For more information and resources that
would help you grow in this new life, please visit our website at www.kingdomheirsministries.org and our blogs at www.flourishinggirl.blogspot.com and follow us on twitter at
alero_nanna and on face book on www.facebook.com/flourishinggirl www.facebook.com/khmii2015; www.facebook.com/thewellbeingcenter. Or www.facebook.com/kingdomjointheirsfamily email: jointheirsfamily@gmail.com.
Remain on top of your challenges in Jesus’ name!
What Glory is and How to benefit from the Glory of God Part 2
Theme: Understanding
the Glory of God
Message for Sunday
October 11th 2015
What Glory is and How to benefit from the Glory of God Part 2
Introduction: Last
week we began to look at glory in relation to God and we established that God’s
glory is all that God is and has. We also saw that God’s glory is demonstrated
by His qualities and we began to examine five of these qualities namely: His
Holiness, His word, His name, His Love and His power. Last week, we saw His
holiness and his word. This week, we shall be looking at His name, love and
power.
1. His name: As
is often said, the name of a person can give one an insight into his or her
personality. God is referred to by many names in His word – the Bible and each
of these names are covenanted to his people with specific roles He plays in
their lives. For example in Gen.17:1, He introduced Himself as Almighty God. By
His name here, it is evident that He is the greatest and the most set apart
person in the entire universe to whom all must pay allegiance.
In Exodus 3:6, He called Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob Making him the transgenerational God whose blessings outlive its
beneficiaries and whose curses also outlive one generation until they are
averted by sacrifice. In the past, the sacrifices used to be the blood of goats
and bulls but in the new dispensation, the sacrifice was offered once by his
Son Jesus Christ. This shows Him to be merciful and gracious.
In the same account of the burning bush in Exodus 3:14, when
Moses sought to know how to introduce Him to the children of Israel He was
sending Him to, He referred to Himself by this name: I AM THAT I AM. This goes
to show that to his creation, He is able to play His role as God in all its
ramifications.
Further,
He said these words to Moses in Exodus 6:2-3: “… I am the LORD:
And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto
Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not
known to them. Here, He clarifies to
Moses his role as a covenant keeping God. This is so exciting when you realize
here that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had all since transitioned from time into
eternity. This should make us understand that the God we are talking about
never forgets to do what He promises. He also never fails no matter how long it
seems to take.
We
can go on and on about his name but in spite of all the gloriousness of His
name, He has chosen to exalt His word above all His name [Ps.138:2]. This
explains why God means different things to different people and idols are also
called gods. However, God’s word is the same as His Son. [John 1:1-3, 14-17].
And He has conferred His name on his Son and made His Son’s name to be the name
above any other name that at His name, every knee shall bow and confess that He
is the Lord. His Son however worked for it that is why He also got the name by
conquest and the father also caused Him to inherit it. See Philippians 2:5-11,
Heb.1:1-2, 4, 8-10.
In
summation here, God’s name is Jesus the Christ. This is the only name that we
are called to believe in for salvation, deliverance; protection, longevity;
victory etc. and we would not be disappointed. Those claiming that God permits
evil lifestyles are not speaking about the true God; they are speaking about
the pretentious one who is God’s archenemy; Satan.
2.
His Love:
Another great quality of the true God is that He is love. In the book of 1John
4:8, we are told that God is love. This is his great attribute that cannot be
copied. It is His DNA. To walk in love, you must be born into His family to
receive His DNA otherwise it is impossible. Love is the manifestation of the
fruit of the spirit of the believer. It is what proves that a person has
actually become one of God’s children. See Gal.5:22; 1Jn.2:5, 8. Last month, we
took time to look at the characteristics of the love of God. So we shall not
spend time there now. Should you desire to do a further study, see 1Cor.13 and
John 13:34-35; 15:13-17.
3.
His power:
So much can be said of his power. However, we have spoken about some of His
power when we were looking at His word. For instance He created the entire
universe by His power [Ps.33:6, 9; Isa.42:5]. He is the only one who has the
ability to measure the sky, decide the boundaries of the sea determining how
far it can go and overturn the mountains from their roots [Jer.5:22; Job
9:5-12].
He is the one who
stopped the flow of the red sea that the children of Israel may pass through on
dry land [Ex.14]. He kept them and fed them forty years without having to seek
aid from anyone [Ps.114; Deu.8:3-4].
He is the one with the
ability to reverse time like He did for Joshua and Hezekiah. Joshua 10:12-14; 2Kings
20:8, 10-11; Isaiah 38:5-8.
He also is the only
one with the ability to kill and make alive. He is the God of all knowledge and
by Him, actions of men are weighed. He is the only one who can tell what is in
a man’s thought without the man speaking. He knows the end from the beginning and
has the power to bring what He says to pass. He is the eternal Judge from whom
nothing can be hidden. He holds the entire universe under the influence of His
word. This explains why even when Satan was allowed to tempt Jesus, he did not
argue over the authority of the word of God. See 1Sam.2:1-9, Heb.1:2,
1Sam.16:6-7.
Having known what God’s
glory is, let us now look at some steps we can take to benefit from it.
First, we must take God’s
side through repentance so that we can be forgiven our sin and receive the gift
of eternal life. John 3:3, 6-7 & 16-19; Deu.30:19-20.
Second, we have to deepen
our relationship with Him through prayer, His word and fellowship with
likeminded people who would help us improve in our walk with Him. This was the
example Jesus and the early Church fathers set for us. Mark 1:35, Acts 4:23-24
and Ps.1:1-3.
Third, the more we grow
in our knowledge of Him, the more grace we would receive from Him and
therefore, the more of His glory can be manifested in and through us. 2Pet.1:2;
3:18; 2Cor.3:18. You would recall that the more Moses understood God, the more
God revealed His glory through Him to the point that the glory of God rubbed
off on him without his first realizing it. See Ex.34; 29-30, 35. The more we
behold the Lord, the more we are transformed to become more and more glorious
like Him.
However, this blessing is meant for those who have entered
into the covenant relationship of the New Birth with the Lord. The bible says
that Christ in you is the hope of glory and this mystery was hidden from the
foundation of the world for our glory. They are not hidden from us but for us
to be able to discover them. If you desire this new birth experience so as to
take advantage of what God has given us, you can do so right away by saying the
following prayer out loud in faith and you will be saved and granted access to
the mysteries of God that would enable you manifest His glory on earth. When
Jesus was about to round off His mission on earth, he said he had brought glory
to God by fulfilling His purpose. See John 17:4. If you want to be able to say
the same thing when the time comes, please say the following prayer out loud
and God would honor your faith:
Heavenly Father,
Have mercy on me a sinner. Today, I believe that Jesus died
for me and you raised Him from the dead for my Justification. I therefore
declare that Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Lord and from today, I renounce the
fatherhood of Satan and embrace Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you
for this father in Jesus’ name!
Amen.
Congratulations! For more information and resources that
would help you grow in this new life, please visit our website at www.kingdomheirsministries.org and our blogs at www.flourishinggirl.blogspot.com and follow us on twitter at
alero_nanna and on face book on www.facebook.com/flourishinggirl www.facebook.com/khmii2015; www.facebook.com/thewellbeingcenter. Or www.facebook.com/kingdomjointheirsfamily email: jointheirsfamily@gmail.com.
Remain on top of your challenges in Jesus’ name!
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