Author: Pastor J.O. Lawal

The whole counsel of God

Beloved: grace, mercy and peace be yours forever from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. I am delighted to welcome you into the month of October, which is the first month of the first quarter of this year. And I pray that God will establish you fully in all His good purpose for your life in the month, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Now, in case you don’t know or have forgotten, I want to bring to your notice the fact that preachers of the word of God have a duty to teach people the whole counsel of God. This is why Paul says to the Colossian brethren, “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.” (Col 1:24-25NIV) Did you see that? Paul says the commission he received from God was to preach His word to people in all its fullness. That means he could not choose to preach certain parts of God’s word and not to preach certain parts of it. He could not say that it is holiness he is sent to preach and not giving or that it is faith he is sent to preach and not eternal judgment. His job was to proclaim everything about the word of God to people.

Preaching the whole counsel of God, of course, is not something that may be done in a day. A lot of times, it will take years of hard labour and patience on the part of the one proclaiming the word of God to make it fully known to any group of people he is teaching. But it can be done, and it must be done. And we see a confirmation of this in Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders, which read, “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” (Acts 20:27NIV) So, a proclamation of the whole will of God is possible, and it is what every preacher must commit himself to.

But then, God’s intention is not just for the preacher to commit himself to proclaiming the whole will of God; it is also for those that are being taught to discipline themselves to embrace the whole will of God. Unfortuntely, what we see is that many of God’s children today are selective in their response to the whole counsel of God. They want to choose what truths of God’s word they are taught by their preachers and what truths of His word they embrace and practise. So, they go from place to place, seeking preachers who will conform to their taste. This, of course, is why many of them are not balanced in their lives. (Cf. 2Tim 4:3-4)

We too need to examine ourselves to see whether we are balanced in our walk of faith or not. We need to ask ourselves, “Are there truths of God’s word we are avoiding and do not want to be confronted with or embrace?” If there is any, then, we need to repent and change our attitude towards it. That is because we cannot be all that God wants us to be, if we will not seek to know His whole counsel to us and embrace it.

Yes, we may not be comfortable with the way some people are handling certain bible subjects. That, however, does not mean we should not desire to know what God says about them and to apply it to our lives. For instance, there are many erroneous (incorrect) teachings about giving today, especially in the area of giving to our leaders. That, nevertheless, does not mean that the word of God does not command us to give to support those who feed us with the word of God (1Cor 9:14; Gal 6:6). And if we will not take learning and giving to support those who feed us with the word of God seriously, just because some believers are not doing it right, we are disobeying God. Yes, we may be obeying Him in all the other areas of our lives. But because we are disobeying Him in one area of our lives, we cannot fully enjoy His blessings and provisions for our lives. More so, that area in which we are disobeying Him may just become a channel through which Satan will begin to afflict us.

So, wake up from your slumber and humble yourself to receive all that God is saying to you about holiness, faith, eternal judgment, giving, love and so forth through His word. Just humble yourself to receive the fullness of His word to you. That way, everything that is lacking in your Christian walk will be supplied, and your life will be built up to fully express the character of the person of Jesus Christ.

Do have a blissful October 2020.
Copyright © 2020, Reality Desk, a ministry of Alaythia Bible Church –This material is the sole property of Reality Desk. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice. Please direct any questions you may have to alaythiabiblechurch@gmail.com | alaythia4all@gmail.com or call: 08037592851 (WhatsApp Number: 07085711280)
By: J.O. Lawal | Date: October 04, 2020 | Series: From Pastor’s Desk | Number: Vol. 9, No. 22

Latori tabili Paitor

Gbogbo ipinnu ati ifẹ Ọlọrun

Post author By Pastor J.O. Lawal
Post date October 5, 2020
2 Comments on Gbogbo ipinnu ati ifẹ Ọlọrun

Latori tabili pasito

Olufẹ: ki oore-ọfẹ, aanu ati alaafia jẹ tirẹ titi lailai lati ọdọ Ọlọrun Baba wa ati Jesu Kirisiti Oluwa wa. O dun mọ mi ninu gidigidi lati ki ọ kaabọ sinu oṣu Ọwara, eyi ti i ṣe oṣu kinni ninu abala kẹrin awọn oṣu odun yi. Mo si gbadura pe ki Ọlọrun mu ọ duro ṣinṣin ninu gbogbo ete rẹ fun aye rẹ ni oṣu na ni orukọ Jesu. Amin.

Wayi o, ti o ba jẹ pe o ko mọ tabi pe o ti gbagbe, mo fẹ pe akiyesi rẹ si pe awọn oniwaasu ni ojuṣe lati kọ awọn eniyan ni ohun gbogbo ti o ni i ṣe pelu ipinnu ati ifẹ Ọlọrun. Idi si ni yi ti Pọọlu ṣe sọ fun awọn ara Kolose pe, “Nisinsinyi emi n yọ ninu iya mi nitori yin, emi si n ṣe aṣepari iṣẹ ipọnju Kirisiti ti o ku lẹyin ni ara mi, nitori ara rẹ, ti i ṣe ijọ: Eyi ti a fi emi ṣe iranṣẹ fun, gẹgẹ bi iṣẹ iriju Ọlọrun ti a fi fun mi fun yin lati mu ọrọ Ọlọrun ṣẹ.” (Kolose 1:22) Njẹ o ri bayi? Pọọlu sọ wipe iṣẹ iriju ti oun gba lọwọ Ọlọrun ni lati mu ọrọ Ọlọrun ṣẹ. Ọna miran lati ṣo eyi ni pe iṣẹ iriju Pọọlu ni lati waaṣu ọrọ ni pipeye. O tunmọ si pe ko le ṣo pe awọn ẹka bayi ninu ọrọ Ọlọrun ni oun o fi ṣe iwaasu ati pe awọn ẹka ọrọ rẹ bayi ni oun ko ni fi ṣe iwaasu. Ko le sọ wipe iwa mimọ nikan ni a ran oun lati fi se iwaasu, ko ki ṣe fififunni, tabi pe igbagbọ ni a fi ran oun lati ṣe iwasu ko ki i ṣe idajọ ayeraye. Iṣẹ rẹ ni lati polongo ohun gbogbo ti ọrọ Ọlọrun n sọ fun awọn eniyan.

Pipolongo ohun gbogbo ti o ni i ṣe pẹlu ifẹ ati ipinnu Ọlọrun ki i wa ṣe nkan ti a le ṣe ni ọjọkan. Ọpọ igba ni o jẹ pe o le gba iṣẹ aṣekara ọpọlọpọ ọdun ati suuru lọwọ ẹni ti o n waasu ọrọ Ọlọrun ki o to le fi gbogbo ifẹ ati ipinnu Ọlọrun han si awọn ti o n kọ. Ṣugbọn o ṣe e ṣe, o si gbọdọ jẹ ṣiṣe. A si ri amudaju eleyi ninu ọrọ Pọọlu si awọn alagba ijọ Efesu, eyi ti o ka bayi: “Nitori ti emi ko fa ṣẹyin lati sọ gbogbo ipinnu Ọlọrun fun yi.” (Ise Awọn Apositeli 20:27) Nitorina, wiwaasu gbogbo ipinnu ati ifẹ Ọlọrun ṣe e ṣe, o si jẹ ohun ti gbogbo oniwaasu gbọdọ fi ara rẹ jin lati ṣe.

Ṣugbọn ṣa o, erongba Ọlọrun kọ ni pe ki o jẹ kiki oniwaasu ni yo fi ara rẹ jin lati ma polongo gbogbo ifẹ ati ipinnu rẹ; erongba rẹ ni pe ki awọn ti a n kọ ni ọrọ Ọlọrun naa fi ara wọn jin lati tẹwọgba gbogbo ifẹ ati ipinnu rẹ fun aye wọn. O wa ṣeni laanu pe nkan ti a ri ninu ọpọ ọmọ Ọlọrun ni pe wọn a ma yan ẹbọ ninu iha ti wọn n kọ si ọrọ Ọlọrun. Wọn fẹ yan otitọ ọrọ Ọlọrun ti awọn olukọ wọn yoo kọ wọn ati irufẹ otitọ ọrọ rẹ ti wọn yo tẹwọgba ati ti wọn yo ṣe amulo. Nitorina, wọn a ma ti ibikan de ibikan lati wa awọn oniwaasu ti yo waasu tẹwọn lọrun. Idi si ni yi ti aye wọn ko fi baradọgba.

Awa naa nilo lati ṣe agbayẹwo aye wa lati ri boya aye wa baradọgba ninu irinajo igbagbọ wa tabi ko baradọgba. A nilo lati bere lọwọ ara wa, “Njẹ ari awọn otitọ ọrọ Ọlọrun ti a n sa fun ati ti a ko tilẹ fẹ ki wọn fi bawa sọrọ rara tabi ti a ko fẹ ṣe amulo?” Ti a ba ri, a nilo lati ronupiwada, ki a si yi iha ti a kọ si wọn pada. Idi si ni pe a ko le jẹ gbogbo nkan ti Ọlọrun fẹ ki a jẹ, niwọn igba ti a ko ba mura lati mọ gbogbo ifẹ ati ipinnu rẹ fun wa, ki a si fi aye gba wọn ninu aye wa.

Lotitọ, a le ma le fi ara da ọna ti awọn kan n gba ṣe alaye tabi amulo awọn isọri ọrọ Ọlọrun kan. Eyi ko wa tunmọ si pe ki a ma ni itara lati mọ nkan ti Ọlọrun n sọ nipa awọn nkan wọnyi ati lati ṣe amulo wọn ni aye wa. Fun apẹẹrẹ, ọpọ ẹkọ odi ni o wa ni oni lori fififuni, paapaajulọ fififun awọn adari wa ninu ijọ. Sibẹsibẹ, eyi ko jasi pe ọrọ Ọlọrun ko pa a laṣẹ fun wa lati ma fi nkan ini wa ran awọn ti o n fi ọrọ Ọlọrun bọ wa lọwọ (1Korinnti 9:14; Galatia 6:6). Ti a ba si kọ lati mu ẹkọ fififunni ati fifi ohun ini wa ran awọn ti o n fi ọrọ Ọlọrun bọ wa lọkunkundun, nitori pe awọn kan n ṣe eyi lọna aitọ, a ti n ṣe aigbọran si Ọlọrun niyẹn. Lotitọ o, o le e jẹ pe a n gbọran si lẹnu lori gbogbo ọrọ aye wa yoku. Ṣugbọn niwọn igba ti a ti n ṣe aigbọran si lẹnu ni ọna kan ni aye wa, ko si bi a ṣe le jẹgbadun gbogbo Ibukun ati ipese rẹ fun aye wa. Lafikun, o tun le wa jẹ pe abala aye wa ti a ko ti gbọran si lẹnu yi ni yoo jẹ ọna fun Satani lati fiya jẹ wa.

Nitorina, ji kuro ninu ogbe ti o n to, ki o si rẹ ara rẹ silẹ lati gba gbogbo nkan ti Ọlọrun n ba ọ sọ lori iwa mimọ, idajọ ayeraye, fififunni, ifẹ ati bẹẹbẹẹlọ nipasẹ ọrọ rẹ. Iwọ sati rẹ ara rẹ silẹ lati gba ẹkunrẹrẹ ọrọ rẹ fun ọ. Nipa eyi, gbogbo nkan ti o ku diẹ kaato ninu irinajo igbagbọ rẹ ni a o pese, aye rẹ yoo si jẹ kikọ lati gbe iwa Jesu Kirisiti yọ lẹkunrẹrẹ.

Ki o ni oṣu Ọwara 2020 idẹra.

Copyright © 2020, Reality Desk, a ministry of Alaythia Bible Church –This material is the sole property of Reality Desk. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice. Please direct any questions you may have to alaythiabiblechurch@gmail.com | alaythia4all@gmail.com or call: 08037592851 (WhatsApp Number: 07085711280)
Lati owo: J.O. Lawal | Ojo: Owara 04, 2020 | Atelera: Latori tabili Paitọ | Nomba: Vol. 9, No. 22

Pastor's Desk

The word of His grace

From-the-pastors-desk

Beloved: grace, mercy and peace be yours forever from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. I am delighted to welcome you to this new week and pray that you will be led and strengthened to access and enjoy the best of God for you in all things all through the week, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Now, as beautiful as it to offer this kind of prayer for you, it is equally important you know that it cannot take the place of acting on the word of God in your life. What I am saying is that prayer is never a substitute for acting on the word of God. So, even though it is important that we continually pray in order to be able to receive and enjoy God’s provisions for us, if we will not give ourselves to acting on His word, there are certain provisions of His that we will never be able to access or enjoy.

Paul, while speaking to the elders of the Ephesian church in a meeting, said, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32NIV) Can you see what he says here about God’s word? First, he calls it the word of His grace. That means God’s word communicates God’s grace. So, if you want to experience and enjoy His grace, receive, embrace and act on His word. Yes, when you pray, God’s grace is released to meet your need. But until you learn to walk in the light of His word, your experience and enjoyment of His grace will never be to the full. It will always be limited. And in fact, there are situations that it is only by acting on the word of God that you will experience and enjoy His grace. Any other thing you do, be it praying, fasting or giving, will not work.

The second thing Paul says about God’s word in that text is that it is able to build up our lives. It is able to make us strong and steadfast to thrive and excel, regardless of our life’s circumstances. As our Lord makes clear in a parable of the wise builder and the foolish builder, challenges are inevitable in this life. So, we all are going to have our fill of them. But what will determine whether we remain strong and steadfast after each challenge is our attitude to the word of God. (Cf. Matt 7:24-27)

If we learn His word and give ourselves to building our lives, marriages, businesses, children and so forth on its foundation, then, it does not matter what trial we are faced with or what opportunity comes our way, we will thrive and remain ever strong. But if we will not learn His word at all or if we will not take His word we are learning seriously, so that we may act on it and use it in building our lives, then, every little challenge or opportunity that comes our way will threaten our lives and want to cast it down. And if we maintain this foolish attitude towards the word of God long enough, our lives and whatever we are building along with them are guaranteed to collapse someday. It is only a matter of time.

The last thing Paul says about God’s word in his admonition is that it is able to give us our own inheritance among the people of God. That means there are things God has prepared for each of us to enjoy, as His children. And it is the word of God that will lead us to see these things and show us what we must do to enjoy them. For instance, health, peace, protection and satisfaction are our inheritance in Christ. How do we know this? It is through the word of God. And how do we begin to enjoy these things? It is also by learning what His words says about them and acting on it.

So, you see that the life we are called to by God is a life that is founded and built on His word. And if we want to live this life and enjoy it to the full, we must take His word seriously in our lives. My prayer is that your heart will receive strength everyday from the Spirit of God to always do the right thing with the word of God. Amen.

Do have a splendid week.

Copyright © 2020, Reality Desk, a ministry of Alaythia Bible Church –This material is the sole property of Reality Desk. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice. Please direct any questions you may have to alaythiabiblechurch@gmail.com/alaythia4all@gmail.com or call: 08037592851 (WhatsApp Number: 07085711280)
By: J.O. Lawal | Date: September 27, 2020 | Series: From Pastor’s Desk | Number: Vol. 9, No. 21

Latori tabili Paitor

Ọrọ ore-ọfẹ rẹ

Latori tabili pasito

Olufẹ: ki oore-ọfẹ, aanu ati alaafia jẹ tirẹ titi lailai lati ọdọ Ọlọrun Baba wa ati Jesu Kirisiti Oluwa wa. Inu mi dun lati ki ọ kaabọ sinu ọsẹ tuntun yi, mo si gbadura pe ki o gba idari ati okun lati ri aye de ibi ti ipese Ọlọrun ti o dara julọ fun ọ ninu ohun gbogbo wa ati lati gbadun rẹ titi ọsẹ yi yo fi pari, ni orukọ Jesu. Amin.

Njẹ, bi o ṣe rẹwa to lati gba iru adura yi fun ọ naa ni o si ṣe ṣe pataki to fun ọ lati mọ pe adura yi ko le rọpo ṣiṣe amulo ọrọ Ọlọrun ni aye rẹ. Nkan ti mo n sọ ni pe adura ko fi igba kankan jẹ nkan ti a le fi ṣe pasiparọ fun ṣiṣe amulo ọrọ Ọlọrun. Nitorina, bi o ti lẹ jẹ pe o ṣe pataki ki a ma fi gbogbo igba gbadura ki a ba le tẹwọgba ipese Ọlọrun fun wa, ki a si tun gbadun rẹ, ti a ko ba fi ara wa jin lati ma ṣe amulo ọrọ rẹ, awọn ipese rẹ kan wa ti a ko ni le na ọwọ gan tabi gbadun.

Fire in my Bones

Don’t waste your opportunity to learn

Post author By Pastor J.O. Lawal
Post date September 23, 2020
No Comments on Don’t waste your opportunity to learn

“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.”
(Prov 4:1-2NIV)

Solomon, without doubt, was one of the greatest and wisest men that ever walked the face of this earth. His wisdom and greatness so amazed the people of his day that they penned this down about him:

Pastor's Desk

Avoid sexual immorality

Beloved: Welcome to another week of the month of September 2020. May the peace and joy that come from the Spirit of God fill your life all through it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Now, as we begin this new week, let me remind you of the words of Paul, which say, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.” (1Thess 4:3-6NIV) And why am I bringing you this admonition at this time? It is because, just as it was in the days of Paul, there is so much sexual immorality in the world now, and so many children of God are getting involved (1Cor 7:2).

Latori tabili Paitor

Takete si agbere

Olufẹ: Kaabọ si inu ọsẹ miran ninu osu Owewe 2020. Ki alaafia ati ayọ ti o n ti ọwọ Ẹmi Ọlọrun wa kun aye rẹ titi ọsẹ na yoo fi pari, ni orukọ Jesu. Amin.

Njẹ bi a se bẹrẹ ọsẹ tuntun yi, jẹ ki n ran ọ leti ọrọ Pọọlu ti o sọ wipe, “Nitori eyi ni ifẹ Ọlọrun, pe ki ẹ wa ni mimọ, ki ẹ si takete si agbere: ki olukuluku yin mọ bi oun iba ti maa ko ara rẹ ni ijanu ni iwa-mimọ ati ni ọla; Kii ṣe ni ṣiṣe ifẹkufẹẹ, gẹgẹ bi awọn Keferi ti ko mọ Ọlọrun: Ki ẹnikẹni ma ṣe dẹṣẹ si arakunrin rẹ nipa ohunkohun: nitori Oluwa ni olugbẹsan ninu gbogbo nnkan wọnyi, gẹgẹ bi awa ti kilọ fun yin tẹlẹ ri, ti a si n jẹrii yin pẹlu.” (1Tesalonika 4:3-6) Ki si ni idi ti mo fi mu ọrọ iyanju yi tọ ọ wa ni akoko yi? Idi ni pe, gẹgẹ bi o ti ri ni igba aye Pọọlu, bẹẹ na ni o ṣe ri ni akoko yi — ẹṣẹ agbere wọpọ lode oni; ọpọ ọmọ Ọlọrun ni o si n kopa ninu rẹ (1Korinnti 7:2).

Nkan ti mo n sọ ni pe iṣekuṣe ko fi gbogbo ara ja mọ nkankan mọ loju ọpọ ọmọ Ọlọrun loni. Wọn ko ri ibaraẹnisun larin awọn ti ko ti gbeyawo tabi larin awọn ti ko ki i ṣe tọkọtaya si nkankan pataki mọ. Idi si ni pe ọda ti awọn ti aye yi fi n fi ojoojumọ kun iṣekuṣe niyẹn. O tunmọ si pe awọn iwa ti wọn n wu ati awọn ọrọ ti wọn n sọ jẹ ki o da bi ẹni pe agbere, pansaga tabi ikorajọpọ lati ṣe iṣekuṣe dara jọjọ. Wọn a si ma fun awọn ti ko darapọ mọ wọn ninu radarada ti wọn ṣe ni ero pe nkan n ṣe wọn tabi pe wọn n padanu adun ibaraẹnilopọ.

Ṣugbọn ki ni ifẹ Ọlọrun fun wa? Gẹgẹ bi Pọọlu ṣe sọ fun wa ninu ẹsẹ bibeli ti o wa ni oke yẹn, ifẹ Ọlọrun fun wa ni pe ki a takete si agbere, ki a si kọ bi a ṣe le ko ara wa nijanu ni ọna ti o mọ, ti o si niyi. Wa kiyesi pe ibaraẹnisun gan kọ ni Ọlọrun ni ki a takete si. Nkan ti O ni ki a takete si ni iṣekuṣe, eyi ti i ṣe ọna aitọ ati ọna aiyẹ lati ma ba ara ẹni lopọ.

Awọn ọna aitọ yi si ni i ṣe pẹlu ibaraẹnisun ki a to fẹ ara ẹni sile, ale yiyan, ifipabanilopọ, pansaga, biba eranko lopọ, ibalopọ ọkunrinsọkurin ati obinrinsobirin, kikorajọpọ lati ṣe agbere ati ohunkohun ti o bani i ṣe pẹlu iwa eeri laarin awọn ti ko ki i ṣe tọkọtaya. Awọn nkan wọnyi ni Ọlọrun n kilọ fun wa lati takete si. Pọọlu tilẹ sọ fun wa ninu lẹta rẹ miran pe nkan ti Ọlọrun fẹ gan ni pe ki a sa fun awọn nkan wọnyi (1Korinnti 6:18-20)

Ki wa ni idi ti Ọlọrun ṣe fẹ ki a sa fun iṣekuṣe? Lakọkọ, idi ni pe iṣekuṣe a ma sọ ara eniyan, ti i ṣe tẹnpili Ọlọrun, di alaimọ, a si sọ wọn di alaiwulo fun Ọlọrun lati lo fun ogo rẹ. Ikeji, iṣekuṣe a ma so eniyan pọ pẹlu awọn ẹlomiran ni ọna ti ko mọ, a si ṣi ilẹkun fun oniruru iṣoro ti ko yẹ ki o jẹ tirẹ silẹ lati wọle sinu aye rẹ. Ikẹta, iṣekuṣe a ma fi eniyan si abẹ idajọ ti Ọlọrun ma n ṣe ni oorekore ati idajọ rẹ ti ayeraye. Ka tilẹ so otitọ, gbogbo arun ti o ma n tankẹlẹ nipasẹ ibaraẹnisun ti a mọ loni ni o jẹ ifarahan idajọ Ọlọrun lori agbere ati iṣekuṣe laarin awọn eniyan.

Nitorina, ko si nkan ti o ṣe ọ ti o ba takete si iṣekuṣe. Ko si nkan ti o ṣe ọ ti o ba jẹ wundia, niwọn igba ti o ko ti ṣe igbeyawo. Ko si nkan ti o ṣe ọ ti o ba ma a gbe pẹlu ọkunrin tabi obinrin ti ẹ ko ti fẹ ara yin sile. Ko si si nkan ti o ṣe ọ ti o ko ba fi ara rẹ jin fun awọn aworan eeri ati oniruru nkan irira ti o n ba aye ọpọlọpọ jẹ loni.

Lotitọ, gẹgẹ bi mo ti ṣe sọ siwaju, awọn ti aye yi ti o wa ni ayika rẹ le fẹ ki o ro pe nkan ṣe ọ tabi pe o n padanu lọpọlọpọ nipa pe o ko darapọ mọ wọn ni ṣiṣe agbere. Ma ṣe da wọn lohun rara tabi ki o banujẹ nitori isọkusọ wọn. Oju ọna ti o tọ ni o wa. Ati wipe, yatọ si pe aye rẹ yo wa ni ipamọ kuro lọwọ awọn aisan buburu ati awọn aisan ti ko lorukọ, lọjọkan, Oluwa, ti o n fi gbogbo igba bu ọla fun pẹlu ara rẹ, yi o gbe ọ nija, yi o si san ọ lẹsan fun jijẹ olotitọ si.

Ọsẹ ire o.

Copyright © 2020, Reality Desk, a ministry of Alaythia Bible Church –This material is the sole property of Reality Desk. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice. Please direct any questions you may have to alaythiabiblechurch@gmail.com/alaythia4all@gmail.com or call: 08037592851 (WhatsApp Number: 07085711280)
Lati owo: J.O. Lawal | Ojo: Owewe 20, 2020 | Atelera: Latori tabili Paitọ | Nomba: Vol. 9, No. 20

Fire in my Bones Life Application

When it is in your power

power

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow” — when you now have it with you.”
(Prov 3:27-28NIV)

One of the lessons of the bible that we often miss is the one Solomon speaks of in the bible text above, which is that we are not to postpone or defer to the future anything good we have the power to do for others or for ourselves now. For example, we read in the bible that Abraham shared his possessions among Isaac and his other children, when he was still alive, and told everybody which way to go. He did not write down any will about how his possessions were to be handled after his death. Instead, he shared them himself when he was still alive and well and had the power to do so. So, after his death, nobody fought nobody over anything, for everybody already knew how their father and owner of the things passed on to them distributed his things. (Cf. Gen 25:1-6)

Pastor's Desk

Use your spiritual gift

bible study

Beloved: grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. I am happy to welcome you to another week of September 2020. And I pray that God will open your eyes to recognise every good thing He has deposited in you and also strengthen you to increase in usefulness with it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Each of us, as we are clearly told in the bible, has been blessed by God with at least one spiritual gift or the other. In other words, there is no child of God that He does not intend to use in remarkable ways to bless other children of His and the world. (Cf. 1Cor 12:7) Unfortunately, because of their ignorance, many of His children are not acting responsibly with the gifts He has given them. So, we see that, in most assemblies, it is usually few people that are seriously involved in faithfully using their gifts to minister to others. The rest of the brethren just wait around all the time to be ministered to.

Perhaps you too are one of those who wait around all the time to be ministered to by others. Every time you want someone to pray for you, but you are not willing to pray for anybody. Or you want someone to visit you, but you are not ready to visit anybody. Or you want someone to give to you or help you to handle one thing or the other in your life, when you are not interested in helping anybody. I want you to know that this is contrary to the purpose of God for His church. It is never His idea or intention that only a handful of His people would be involved in ministry. Otherwise why did He give everybody at least a gift?

See, what God wants is for each of us to recognise the gift or gifts He has given us and learn from Him how to faithfully use them for the good of everyone around us. That way, we all will be mutually edifying ourselves and supplying whatever is lacking in our faith, character or resources. And as we mutually edify ourselves this way, we will be able to reach maturity in our knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ and in demonstrating His character in this world of darkness. (Cf. Eph 4:11-16)

All of this is why Paul, while writing to the Roman brethren, says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Rom 12:6-8NIV) Also, Peter, in his first letter, says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1Peter 4:10-11NIV)

Look at the words of those apostles. They are all pointing to the fact that each of us must recognise the gift or gifts God has given them and begin to use them for the edification of others and the praise of God. So, what is your spiritual gift or what are your spiritual gifts? And don’t say, “I don’t have any,” for to say that is to say that you are not a child of God. If you do not yet know your own gift or gifts, then, pray to God to open your eyes to see what they are. Also, talk to other believers that you trust to tell you what gifts they have seen in you. Then, once you know what your gift or gifts are, begin to use them in love. And God will honour every step of faith you take in doing so and use those gifts to bless others in ways no one can imagine.

Finally, don’t ever be found saying anything like, “There is nothing to the gift I have. So, who will recognise it or be blessed through it?” The bible tells us that there is no gift of the Spirit that is insiginificant. What makes gifts insignificant is our refusal to use them. Dorcas was not a preacher. But she was recognised by the church because she used her gift of giving faithfully and generously (Acts 9:36-42). If you too will put that gift to work, it won’t be long before other people around you will start praying to God to give them your kind of gift. And may the Spirit of God strengthen your heart to do what is right about this. Amen.

Do have a splendid week.

Copyright © 2020, Reality Desk, a ministry of Alaythia Bible Church –This material is the sole property of Reality Desk. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice. Please direct any questions you may have to alaythiabiblechurch@gmail.com | alaythia4all@gmail.com or call: 08037592851 (WhatsApp Number: 07085711280)
By: J.O. Lawal | Date: September 13, 2020 | Series: From Pastor’s Desk | Number: Vol. 9, No. 19

Latori tabili Paitor

Lo ẹbun ẹmi rẹ

Latori tabili pasito

Olufẹ: ki oore-ọfẹ, aanu ati alaafia jẹ tirẹ lati ọdọ Ọlọrun Baba wa ati Jesu Kirisiti Oluwa wa. Inu mi dun lati ki ọ kaabọ sinu ọsẹ miran ninu oṣu Owewe 2020. Adura mi si ni pe ki Ọlọrun ṣi oju rẹ lati mọ ohun rere gbogbo ti O ti gbin sinu rẹ, ki O si tun fun ọ ni okun lati le pọ si ni wiwulo pẹlu rẹ, ni orukọ Jesu. Amin.

Ẹnikọọkan wa, bi a ti ri kedere ninu bibeli, ni Ọlọrun ti bukunfun pẹlu, okereju, ẹbun ẹmi kan tabi omiran. Eyi tunmọ si pe ko si ọmọ Ọlọrun kan ti Ọlọrun lero lati lo lati bukufun awọn ọmọ rẹ yoku ati awọn ara aye yi ni ọna ti o ga. (Wo: 1Korinnti 12:7) O wa ṣeni laanu pe, nitori aimọkan, ọpọ awọn ọmọ rẹ ni ko fi taratara wulo ni lilo awọn ẹbun ti O fi fun wọn. Nitorina, a ri wipe, ni ọpọ awọn ijọ wa ati ni ọpọ igba, ni o jẹ wipe awọn perete ni o n lo ẹbun wọn pẹlu imura ati ni ododo lati fi ẹbun na sin awọn miran. Nse ni awọn ọmọ ijọ yoku a ma fi gbogbo igba duro de awọn ti yo sin wọn tabi misi wọn.

Boya iwọ na gan jẹ ọkan lara awọn ti o n fi gbogbo igba duro ki awọn miran wa sin wọn. Gbogbo igba ni o n fẹ ki ẹnikan gbadura fun ọ, ṣugbọn iwọ gan ko fẹ gbadura fun ẹnikankan. Tabi o n fẹ ki ẹnikan wa bẹ ọ wo, ṣugbọn iwọ gan ko ṣetan lati bẹ ẹnikẹni wo. Tabi o fẹ ẹni ti yo fun ọ ni nkan tabi ṣe iranwọ ohun kan tabi omiran fun ni aye rẹ, ti o si jẹ pe iwọ gan ko tilẹ nifẹ si a ti ran ẹnikẹni lọwọ. Mo fẹ ki o mọ pe eleyi lodi si ete Ọlọrun fun ijọ rẹ. Ko ki i ṣe aba tabi ero rẹ nigbakankan pe perete ninu awọn eniyan rẹ ni yo ma kopa ninu iṣẹ isin. Ki wa gan ni O fun ẹnikọọkan wa ni, okereju, ẹbun kan si?

Wo o, nkan ti Ọlọrun fẹ fun ẹnikọọkan wa ni ki a mọ ẹbun tabi awọn ẹbun ti O fun wa, ki a si bẹrẹ si ni kẹkọ lọdọ rẹ lori bi a se le lo wọn fun rere gbogbo awọn ti o wa ni ayika wa. Lọna yi, gbogbo wa yo dijọ ran ara wa lọwọ, a o si pese fun awọn nkan ti o ku diẹ kaato ninu igbagbọ, iwa ati nkan ini wa. Bi a ba si ṣe n ran ara wa lọwọ lọna yi, a o bẹrẹ si ni dagba si ninu imọ Jesu Kirisiti ti a ni ati ninu fifi iwa rẹ han ninu aye okunkun yi. (Wo: Efesu 4:11-16)

Idi yi gan wa ni Pọọlu, ninu lẹta rẹ si awọn ara Roomu, ṣe sọ wipe, “Njẹ bi awa si ti n ri ọtọọtọ ẹbun gba gẹgẹ bi oore-ọfẹ ti a fun wa, bi o ṣe ti isọtẹlẹ ni, ki a maa sọtẹlẹ gẹgẹ bi iwọn igbagbọ wa; Tabi iṣẹ iranṣẹ, ki a kọju si iṣẹ iranṣẹ wa: tabi ẹni ti n kọ awọn eniyan, ki o kọju si kikọ rẹ; Tabi ẹni ti o n gba awọn eniyan niyanju, si igbiyanju: ẹni ti o n fi funni ki o maa fi inu kan ṣe e; ẹni ti n se olori, ki o maa se e ni oju mejeeji; ẹni ti n saanu, ki o maa fi inu didun ṣe e.” (Roomu 12:6-8) Lafikun, Peteru naa, ninu lẹta rẹ akọkọ, sọ wipe, “Bi olukuluku ti ri ẹbun gba, bẹẹ ni ki ẹ maa ṣe ipinfunni rẹ laarin ara yin, bi iriju rere ti oniruuru oore-ọfẹ Ọlọrun. Bi ẹnikẹni ba n sọrọ, ki o maa sọ bi ẹni ti Ọlọrun n gba ẹnu rẹ sọrọ; bi ẹnikẹni ba n ṣe iṣẹ iranṣẹ, ki o ṣe e bi agbara ti Ọlọrun fi fun un: ki a le maa yin Ọlọrun logo ninu ohun gbogbo nipasẹ Jesu Kirisiti, ẹni ti ogo ati ijọba jẹ tirẹ lailai ati lailai. Aami.” (1Peteru 4:10-11)

Iwọ na gbe ọrọ awọn apositeli yi yẹwo. Gbogbo rẹ n tọka si pataki ki ẹnikọọkan wa mọ ẹbun tabi awọn ẹbun ẹmi ti Ọlọrun ti fun un, ki o si bẹrẹ si ni lo fun imudagbasoke awọn miran ati fun iyin Ọlọrun. Nitorina, ki ni ẹbun ẹmi tabi kini awọn ẹbun ẹmi rẹ? Ma si ṣe sọ wipe, “Emi o ma ni ẹbun kankan,”nitori lati sọrọ bi eleyi ni lati sọ wipe o ko ki i ṣe ọmọ Ọlọrun. Ti o ko ba mọ ẹbun ẹmi tabi awọn ẹbun ẹmi tirẹ, nse ni o yẹ ki o gbadura si Ọlọrun ki o si oju rẹ ki o ba le mọ wọn. Lafikun, o tun le ba awọn onigbagbọ ti o le fọkan tẹ sọrọ pe ki wọn sọ irufẹ awọn ẹbun ti wọn ba kofiri ninu aye rẹ fun ọ. Nikete ti o ba si ti mọ ẹbun tabi awọn ẹbun ẹmi rẹ, nse ni ki o bẹrẹ si ni lo wọn pẹlu ifẹ. Ọlọrun yo si bukunsi gbogbo igbesẹ igbagbọ ti o ba gbe lori lilo ẹbun rẹ, yi o si tun lo lati bukunfun awọn eniyan ni ọna ti o kọja ero ẹnikankan.

Lakotan, ma ṣe jẹ ki a fi igba kankan gbọ ki o ma sọ ohunkohun ti o ba jọ eyi, “Ẹbun temi ko ma ja mọ nkankan. Nitorina, tani yo tilẹ se bi pe wọn ri mi tabi ta gan ni ẹbun na fẹ wulo fun?” Bibeli sọ fun wa pe ko si ẹbun ẹmi ti a le ka si yẹpẹrẹ. Nkan ti o le sọ ẹbun ẹmi di yẹpẹrẹ ni ki a kọ lati lo. Dọkasi ko ki i ṣe oniwasu. Ṣugbọn awọn ọmọ ijọ rẹ ka si eniyan pataki nitoripe o lo ẹbun fififunni ti o ni pẹlu otitọ ati pẹlu akunyawọ (Ise Aposteli 9:36-42). Ti iwọ na ba ṣe amulo ẹbun rẹ, ko ni pẹ rara ti awọn ti o wa ni ayika rẹ yo fi bẹrẹ si ni fi ẹbun rẹ tọrọ lọwọ Ọlọrun. Mo si gbadura pe ki Ẹmi Ọlọrun fi okun kun ọkan rẹ ki o ba le ṣe ohun ti o tọ lori ọrọ yi. Amin.

Ọse ayọ o.

Copyright © 2020, Reality Desk, a ministry of Alaythia Bible Church –This material is the sole property of Reality Desk. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice. Please direct any questions you may have to alaythiabiblechurch@gmail.com / alaythia4all@gmail.com or call: 08037592851 (WhatsApp Number: 07085711280)
Lati owo: J.O. Lawal | Ojo: Owewe 13, 2020 | Atelera: Latori tabili Paitọ | Nomba: Vol. 9, No. 19