WHEN FELLOWSHIP BECOMES A STRUGGLE

 So I will ask us, 

What does fellowship (with God) mean to you?

What are the major areas of application for believers?

Samson - Fellowship is being "fellows" with God - There is a relationship where you and God share  and discuss stuff, you know him as Father and he knows you as son/daughter. Fellowship with God is our identity as believers. We can't say we are believers if we don't know he who saved us. It involves every area of our lives

Ayodele - Fellowship, for me means time spent enjoying the presence of God and just worshipping. The overall totality of my relationship, defined by worship. Its like my own personal time with the Holy Spirit. Bonding time

Debola - Building a relationship with him. Talking to him

Sumi - For me Fellowship is spending quality time with God

If fellowship is communication, what are the areas of application

Samson - As I said, it should be applied in every area of our lives. Fellowship is not just when we go to church and praise is going on and we are happy. Fellowship with God is also during our lowest moments, decision time, when having dinner, when watching a match...it is the constant connection to the Father at every moment/stage of our lives

Sumi - In all areas. From directions and instructions in all areas. For example Work, choices etc

When Fellowship becomes a struggle

Application area: Prayer and Studying the word

How many of us have struggled with fellowship (in terms of this application areas) or are currently struggling? What is it like?

Samson - Thank God for daily sharing on Word alive and daily prayers. 😩 Sometimes before you know it, you never do personal bible study for 3 days

Ayodele - me! Sometimes I am just tired or lazy. Some other times, I am distracted by too many  things. Work can be overwhelming but I realised that in the midst of that 'busyness', I still find time for other recreational things.

Precious - I have. The struggle is real, there are times when I get carried away with work, Bible study and prayers become a struggle, sometimes when I need something and it's not fourth coming it becomes a struggle to pray, other times I'm just tired internally

Remi - Me too, I will answer. There are times the struggle is like every Eke market day 😭 Some times, I'm praying fire but struggling with studying.  Also, struggling for me is not the absence of these things o. It is the zeal and energy involved. Like I'm praying and studying but I know I'm not really praying and studying. Everything is just lifeless and forced somehow

Sumi - Me. Most times tiredness and sleep. And procrastination too

First, I will like us to know that You are not alone

That struggle to come to God, that period of prayerlessness, you can read all the novels in the world but the minute you open bible, you are tired.

You are not alone

When it comes to fellowship, here are the struggle areas I've found so far:

- Distractions

- Consistency

- Time management

- Lack of Zeal

- Feeling disconnected

- Sin and Guild

- Laziness 

- Hope Deferred 

Pearl - Sin and guilt is it for me, along side fear of failure, due to past failure. Like what's the point of starting again now, when I know I won't be consistent?

I'm sure every believer (including our pastors), have experienced one area of struggle or the other in their walk. You probably can relate to one of these things or even all. Maybe you are currently struggling with prayer or studying the word. Or even both

Please note that the word struggling is not just the absence. That's another thing the devil does. You still have your You Version streaks so yes you are on course. But deep down, you know that something is not balanced.

Struggling is not just the absence of fellowship. People can be in a marriage and struggle to make it work

Acknowledging where you are in your fellowship with God is a great starting place. You can't move forward without it. And no, it is nothing to be ashamed of.

For some of us, we are "prayer warriors" o. In fact, as we are finishing prayers like this, we are updating everybody on status with "Rhema"

In fact, it is the Rhema that pushes us to fellowship. We are trying to feed the world but deep down, we neva chop belleful (for the non Nigerians, this means we have not eaten to the full ourselves)

Prayer warrior but deep down, you know you are struggling

One thing the devil does so well is help you to believe a lie to massage your ego. As long as you have made yourself believe there is no problem, you will keep going down that line

The worst will be spiritual leaders or those with spiritual gifts. In seasons of prayerlessness and not studying the word, you will be surprised you can raise the dead.

The grave will still listen to you and tear open when you speak, so you pat yourself on the back that all is well but all is not well

And then you back this lack of fellowship up with work.

You try to substitute work with fellowship but they are not the same.

The time we spend with God should be way more than the time we spend ministering God to people.

Our first step is acknowledging that this is where we are. A lot of us are still doing hard guy with God

There is nobody that walks in love with God not marked by vulnerability. So first, acknowledge that there is something wrong

This helps me a lot 

I can tell you that since my prayer life peaked between 2016 and 2017, I'm not sure I've stayed struggling with fellowship for more than a week. I'm quick to spot that something is wrong. 

I do not think that I'm bigger than something being wrong

So immediately something is wrong, I see it and get back on track

I'm going to share a story

I'm sure I've shared it with you guys before but I will again

Dec 31st 2015, watch night service.

After the service, everyone had gone to the city centre to watch fireworks. I stayed behind with my pastor and church keyboardist and we started praying.

We prayed for about 2 hours that day and my pastor asked all 3 of us to commit to praying everyday at midnight for the next 6 months.

Almost 6 years after, I have not stopped

That same December, I had broken up with the person I was dating for no reason. Little did I know that God was calling me into something deeper and distractions had to be cut off. You know I said me and my pastor prayed for 3 hours the first night. As we left the church, all 3 of us set an alarm for 12 midnight.

So the next day, I had to continue alone.

I prayed, prayed and prayed. Prayed for like 10 hours, opened my eyes to check time and it was still 12:05am

So all that long prayer was just 5 minutes 😭😭😭 I wanted to die. It was easier to pray for hours with other people cos we can take from each other's fire. In fact, after we left church that day I remember getting home to continue praying and I stayed there for long.

I basically was fueled up from the group prayers

But as it remained only me, fuel finished and 5 minutes felt like 5 days

It was at that time I knew I was in for a ride

But I was also ready for the ride

Another sad part to this my story was that my tongues vocabulary was really low. Na just one sentence I sabi then. I'm not sure I had up to 8 syllables 😭

Tongues help a lot in prayers as they cover all the things our human minds cannot. But me I was limited at that time. So I had to make do with the language of man. Tough ride o but I rode still.

Day 2, same thing.

I was still struggling

I had roommates then, so it was also very distracting.

We are watching originals together and my alarm goes off (one thing I never did was choose any other thing over my prayer time).

I will stand up and go start prayer in my corner but I'm hearing someone shout "Klaus has killed him, eh God". I'm thanking God but I'm also longing to know who Klaus killed.

Or I'm praying and I open my eyes to somebody kissing their boyfriend in the room.

It got to a point, I wrote on a stick note "Remi you will die if you don't pray" and placed around me. Cos it looked like the devil was working hard to ensure I don't pray

5 minutes

5 minutes turned to 10 minutes, then 15 minutes.

And then 1 hour

Sometime in 2017, I found out I had prayed for over 5 hours on my own unplanned.

Like I had just stayed in fellowship, enjoying  God

I cried that day, cos I knew where I was coming from. 5 hours turned to 8 hours then 24 full hours, 2 days non stop....Without fuel from other people

How did I move from struggling to pray and study for 5 minutes to fellowshipping for hours? Yes, the 5 minutes included bible study, praise and worship and prayer 😂.

It was that bad for me

Intentionality

This was my number one step

I wanted God, I wasn't even sure of all the details. But I knew that I wanted Him so I took that step

You will have to be intentional with choosing Fellowship.

Life is busy

There is so much noise around us

So much dragging for your attention

You have to make that choice yourself

Be intentional with studying the word and praying.

If you can read this and you currently struggle with consistency in any of prayer and the word, immediately go to your alarm. Fix a time you know you are mostly free and can be alone. You can fix both together or fix them separately.

Let me tell you a truth, you won't survive by vibes.

You have to be intentional about being consistent and this is your first step

Pick a time and make it a date with God.

Pick it now

Don't procrastinate

Jesus had a habit of fellowship with God

A few days later, Jesus went out to a mountain to pray. He stayed there all night praying to God. Luke 6:12 ERV

After he said goodbye to them, he went up into the hills to pray. Mark 6:46 ERV

Word Alive daily prayers will not replace your own personal fellowship. The daily reading schedule can serve as your personal guide though but you must read on your own too even as you come online to check what others share.

My alarm was set for 12 midnight, I remember days when I'm watching movies with my roommates.

Before my alarm goes off, Martina is already telling me it's almost 12 o, you will not go and pray.

Sometimes I want to continue the movie with them but I had unknowingly built a habit that the people around me had also noticed

So I'd stand up and move to my bed. There were days I'd go into the toilet to pray if I was feeling too distracted 

There were days I'd go out in the snow and take a prayer walk. If you know me well, you will know how much I dislike twitter but not even a -15°C could stop me

I used to miss class cos of cold 🙈 but not prayers.

I went all out for it (and yes, I had the help of God. I was so mightily helped by God. Will explain this part next week). So yes, fix a time for your prayer and study. Can be same time and can be separately.

But pick a time you are sure you will be free and set that alarm now.

Name it as you would

If you find yourself struggle, remember that it is normal. 5 minutes was 5 days for me for a long time.

Let that be your motivation

For those of us scared to start over again. You've been here before and it feels like you keep coming back

Hmmmmm.

I will share a story again

Between 2009 and 2011, I was in an organisation called FECA (myself and Precious). At some point, we were praying 1am everyday. Note that there was no zoom then.

I had a torchlight phone in 2009. I set alarm for that time, stand up, read the bible and pray for 1 hour.

I didn't have YouTube to play music in the background. So it was just me and my paper back bible

Somehow, life happened and I stopped praying

I was still praying o

I was praying in the midst of brethren

I was doing those rush prayers (plus Jesus minus Satan every morning)

I was opening my bible when the church/fellowship opened bible

I was even praying alone too but vibes and when it entered my head or I wanted something from God

Between 2012 and 2015, I moved from this to struggling to pray for 5 minutes

It can happen to anybody. Be ready to start prying again tomorrow. If I stop praying today, I will start praying again tomorrow

If I notice that I stopped reading my bible today, I will start again tomorrow

I will share a secret with you I do not think of myself as one that cannot struggle with fellowship

Nobody is bigger than it. So when it happens, e don happen be that

Holy Spirit, where do we start from cos my strength has failed as usual. Carry me

It's really this simple

And I move on

The early days of starting back may be difficult but I don't send

I know I will get back fully on track

Don't beat yourself over it

Even the 3 closest people to Christ slept off when they were meant to pray. God did not beat them over it. Stop holding it over your head

That's also a tactic of the enemy to keep you from God. If you fail, you start again and again and again. If you find it difficult to start over yourself, get someone to kickstart you.

Join prayer groups and refill there

Speak with a friend to join you in your fixed prayer time for a short while till you are able to stand on your own

But that feeling that you will still fail again at it so no need to try again, please let it go.

If you don't have a study plan, you can start with the reading schedule for Word Alive.

Be faithful with it and you will see growth.

You will hear God speak to you.

The "biggest" Rhema I've gotten is while reading from the schedule.

And it's amazing cos it's just random, there is no topic in mind.

I'm reading the word, open mindedly through the lens of Jesus.

You can also check You Version for devotionals or church devotionals

Just make sure you start.

WILES OF THE DEVIL

Wiles simply means tricks, strategies, tactics, deceit etc

Wiles are basically tricks or manipulative strategies aimed at deceiving

Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭ERV‬‬

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 KJV

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭NLT

Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 AMP

First, it says to wear the armor of God (in full). And it gives a why: Wear it so you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks. Against all of the strategies of the devil. To be able to successfully stand up against the strategies of the devil

Now, here’s what I’ve found amongst Christians, we believe since we are saved we are automatically excluded from the devil’s list. This is untrue

Yes, we’ve been brought to a higher standing. We are seated with Christ

The devil has been defeated. But we must understand that the devil still has little time in the world and he will fight to make sure as many people go down with him.

The devil will fight believers. He will wage war against believers. And if believers do not understand his wiles (first that it exists), they will not successfully stand against it.

In fact, they have no chance against him. Imagine fighting an already defeated man and losing

But there are believers losing daily to the enemy, who has already been defeated on their behalf. Why? Ignorance

What we will be doing tonight is laying out the strategies of the devil (and if time permits us, the full armor of God)

You have to be aware. The person fighting is already on the floor defeated. It’s like allowing someone without hands and legs to beat you up in a fist fight

The scripture we just read, the enemy is not bringing gun to this fight. He is not bringing cutlass or bombs. Only deception, tricks, lies, manipulations 

You know people that cannot fight by their strategy. The devil understands the gullibility of men so he uses this well against them.

“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

It is consistent with his character to lie! He is the father of lies! If they say the devil is expert at anything, it is lies (add failure to this)

And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “ N ow the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. Revelation 12:9‭-‬11 AMP

I need us to take note of these key words. The devil doesn’t leave you alone after the first time. He keeps coming back 

John 10:10 says the thief comes not but to steal , kill and destroy.

This particular thief doesn’t have a gun or physical equipment that destroy.

He has cunny strategies.

A lot of us are focused on village people kind of attacks. Like this is what we think of when we think of the devil but he masters at something else actually: Lies. Deceit!

What are some of the strategies the devil uses?

1. Did God really say?

This one is the oldest trick in the book. From Adam down to Remi, I’m certain the devil has used this one against every believer

Genesis  2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

God had commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from a particular tree. They had received an instruction from God

The snake was the most clever of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. The snake spoke to the woman and said, “Woman, did God really tell you that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1 ERV

What did the devil do? He approached them and tried to cast a doubt on God’s word

While Eve could see the serpent directly then, we most likely can’t see him directly. So all that we can see is the tactics, the funny strategies. But know that the enemy is tricky so he doesn’t keep them in plain sight for you except you know him and his ways well

One thing the enemy does a lot is to cast doubt on what God has told you. I’ve been here before.

God tells you I’m doing xyz at this time. You heard Him clearly when He said this and you believed wholeheartedly. Then something starts happening and before you know it , you are wondering if God really said so. You are telling yourself maybe you heard wrongly or its the interpretation

I’ve experienced this a lot of times.

Only one person is responsible for this, the devil! The minute you start wondering “Did God really say?” Know that the devil is fighting and you are not standing against him well

He will twist what God said to you

He will try to make you “unbelieve” what you received

He cannot undo what God does

But the devil can make you change position with his tricks

He puts you in a place where you are not ready to receive what God has said with his lies

Anything that makes you re-examine what God has said to you is not from God and you need to clock immediately that it is battle time. Be alert!

Satan wants you to accept what God has not said about you. He cannot change what God has said so he tries to make you believe something else because he knows faith is a key ingredient to receiving

2. Worry and Anxiety

This looks like a normal thing but I found recently that it is a strong tool of the devil. The minute you notice you are getting too worried or anxious about something, know that the devil is at work. Worry and anxiety are huge signs of unbelief.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭

Say this to the devil every time he tries to make you worry about those things. Worry and anxiety puts you in a wilderness position. You get stuck.

You geT stuck first in your mind (belief) then it happens in the physical. The Israelites stayed 40years in the wilderness cos they were stuck first in unbelief. They kept worrying about the seemingly unright things around them.

Stop worrying about the things that do not seem to be right. That is what the enemy wants you to see. 

These people had manna falling from heaven daily and somehow they didn’t see it. It’s very possible that things will be happening for you, like heavy moves of God and you won’t see it.

You will be seeing other things to worry about. This also is the devil

One thing that cancels anxiety and worry is thanksgiving. Find something to be thankful for, stay on it and your eyes will be opened to what God is doing and why you should never worry

3. Taking lightly the devil and his tactics

This one is a huge problem and it’s so rampant amongst believers. A lot of people have confused resist the devil with dismiss the devil. The enemy is not just theological myth

Passive neglect of the devil is a tool the enemy himself uses. He wants you to believe he doesn’t exist to you. What happens when you don’t show up to a battle? You lose!

You have an enemy, be alert.

Of course, some Christians overemphasize/amplify the power of the devil, but this should not lead to passive neglect of the devil

These teachings are becoming common. There is a balance. The devil exists. Though defeated, he is still here for a while and his major targets are believers. He is waging a war against us, which is not physical. We must stand against him, from the place of victory (because this is where we fight from)

We do not pretend that the enemy is not fighting against us

The devil stood against Jesus

He stood against God Himself

Do you think he didn’t know Jesus is God?

Do you think he didn’t know Christ was not his match?

Yet he stood

Don’t pretend as if he is not standing against you. Position appropriately. Recognize the devil for what he is exactly and treat accordingly

4. Love for unsound doctrine

If you hate truth, there is a problem. 

“When Christ Jesus comes as king, he will be the judge of everyone, whether they are living or dead. So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God's message. Do it willingly, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear. They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard, telling the good news and to do your job well.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-5‬ ‭CEV‬‬

The time is coming when people will have itchy ears. They will go to places where they are told what they wish to hear.

“Don’t be unequally yoked”. Pastor is judgmental so let’s change church to where they understand and allow her to grow spiritually/come to Christ.

“Don’t kiss before marriage”. Holier than thou attitude. So we move to where they allow kissing but just a lirru bit of it

The Bible expressly says something but it is feeling like an attack. So the people talking are “sin conscious”. They don’t understand Grace

If everything the Bible clearly states is becoming like an attack and you are now used to going to people that give a soft landing of that word or requote to make it acceptable, there might be an issue o. That’s where the devil starts from.

Sound doctrine sometimes can come off as harsh (mostly cos of the state of the heart)

Imagine the man Christ told to leave his family, “Let the dead bury the dead”. For a willing heart, it’s to jump up in joy and start following o. For someone that doesn’t want to hear the truth:

“Why will Jesus say that? Doesn’t he have family or feelings? Does he not know we are humans?”

Always looking for soft landing or sugar coated truths is a tactic the enemy uses. Know this and stand appropriately

5. Trivializing sin and exaggerating the pleasures of sin

One of the tactic of the enemy is to make sin look normal.

“oh! It’s just a flaw”

“Everyone has weak point”

“Nobody is without sin”

He makes you feel comfortable in sin.

“It’s just kissing/lies/sex. God is not counting sin. He forgives”

It’s not “Just”

Before you know it, that sin becomes to pleasurable . You begin to enjoy and look forward to it then you move to normalizing it as one of your flaws or who you are.

This is a tactic of the devil. Be aware

Never act on immediate pleasures. Stop to think immediately you are tempted, this helps.

Every time I’m tempted to do something wrongly, I notice I’m in a hurry to. I don’t want to think about it at that moment. I start thinking and regretting when the deed is done.

The reason the enemy wants that process rushed is because he knows if you think, you won’t go ahead. You are stronger than you actually think. So always pause before you do. It frustrates the devil

6. Emotions

“I’m a very emotional person”

Erhm... good o but please be careful that this is not your drive. You cannot be led by the spirit and your emotions at the same time. It’s pick 1

The enemy targets our emotions as an opening. He crawls in immediately. 

Feel your emotions 

Feel completely, but please don’t be led by how you feel

“I get angry easily”. It is an opening for the devil

7. Logic

I know those of us that are not very emotional people are already feeling exempted from the tactics of the devil. The person you are dealing with is cunning. Most people that are not 100% in touch with their emotions are usually logical.

Logic is very good o. But logic is also very dangerous.

The devil likes it when you think you can think well. You have plenty common sense.

He wants you to feel this way about yourself and assert it.

If you go to churches and people are making trouble, look well and you will find that it is us “logical people”. The devil wants you to think you think better than other believers or people around you. You have more common sense than everybody.

It’s a lie.

While God gave us this “common sense”, God wants us to be led by the spirit instead.

8. Refusing the diagnosis of God

“Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis: “Here is a message from the one who has the seven spirits and the seven stars. “I know what you do. People say that you are alive, but really you are dead. Wake up! Make yourselves stronger before what little strength you have left is completely gone. I find that what you do is not good enough for my God. So don’t forget what you have received and heard. Obey it. Change your hearts and lives! You must wake up, or I will come to you and surprise you like a thief. You will not know when I will come.  “But you have a few people in your group there in Sardis who have kept themselves clean. They will walk with me. They will wear white clothes, because they are worthy. Everyone who wins the victory will be dressed in white clothes like them. I will not remove their names from the book of life. I will say that they belong to me before my Father and before his angels. Everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 3:1‭-‬6 ERV

We will focus on verse 1

You have a name that you are alive but you are dead

We say that Jesus is the great physician. We come to Him for healing but one thing most of us miss is that this physician also diagnoses. Because He knows you well, He knows exactly who you are on the inside.

The devil likes us to live a lie. The devil wants the church in Sardis to believe the “alive reputation” when they were actually dead

A lot of Christians refuse the diagnosis of Christ (it comes as conviction most times)

When the Spirit brings something that you do to your notice or send people to tell you, be ready to accept.

Don’t be in a hurry to defend your self to God. He sees you completely. Take the diagnosis, accept it and use the prescribed medications

Even earthly doctors give diagnosis and prescribe medications

How much more God? When God tells you what is wrong with you, a solution follows. Don’t let pride hold you back. The enemy is counting on this. Even the church in Sardis had a way out

9. Twisting scripture

The enemy wants us to twist scripture to suit us. When the devil wanted to tempt Jesus, he brought scripture and twisted it subtly just a little. When the enemy wants to twist God’s word, he is not as obvious as we expect. Be alert in the spirit

10. Disobedience

This is a tactic of the enemy.

On the other end of obedience is a huge price we always have to pay. When God says do xyz, He is not talking for talking sake, there is something He is trying to shield you from. There is always something sacrificed on the altar of disobedience, something costly. The devil wants us to lose that something so he is looking forward to us disobeying. He entices us with by the fruit of disobedience

Be alert!

There are so many other tactics in the devil’s play book, we will probably never finish if we sit on his lying ass.

But I want us to know one thing, the devil is a liar. The Bible says he is the father of lies.

There is only one thing that cancels lie and it is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth

Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ERV

Let the teaching of Christ dwell in you richly

The enemy is banking on lying and twisting the truth. There is only one counter, the truth Christ says

Let it dwell inside of you Richly

Confess daily if you have to. Make it your truth

May God help us all to stand against the wiles of the devil

Amen

Women and Church Leadership

Let the women who are new converts be willing to learn with all submission to their leaders and not speak out of turn. I don’t advocate that the newly converted women be the teachers in the church, assuming authority over the men, but to live in peace. Adam did not mislead Eve, but Eve misled him and violated the command of God. Yet a woman shall live in restored dignity by means of her children, receiving the blessing that comes from raising them as consecrated children nurtured in faith and love, walking in wisdom.
1 Timothy 2:11‭-‬12‭, ‬14‭-‬15 TPT

Now, we see here Paul telling women not to speak in church.

Should they want to know anything, they should ask their husbands

A woman should learn while listening quietly and being completely willing to obey. I don’t allow a woman to teach a man or tell him what to do. She must listen quietly, because Adam was made first. Eve was made later.
1 Timothy 2:11‭-‬13 ERV

This particular part of scripture causes a lot of problem. First, context and cultural background

We must first understand the times these instructions were given. Was the instruction given with respect to the culture of those days? How does it apply to us, in our own time

G2271Greek: ἡσυχία
Transliteration: hēsychía
Pronunciation: hay-soo-khee'-ah 
 ----------
 Description: feminine of ἡσύχιος(G2272); (as noun) stillness, i.e. desistance from bustle or language:
Translation: quietness, silence.

KJV usage: silent (3x), quietness (1x).

So here is the meaning and usage of the word Silence in this verse

Note that a similar word is used in verse 2 also

You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live QUIET AND PEACEFUL  lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him.
1 Timothy 2:2 ERV

Definitely, Paul could not have been saying women should be totally silent. Women prayed in church back then. In fact, Paul's first convert in Europe was a woman.

Paul had been in women dominated gatherings. He had seen women actually prosper the gospel

And did not frown upon these things. So definitely, he didn't mean silence as in "keep your mouth shut. I don't want to hear pim"

Like I said the last time, to understand this we have to got back to the beginning

This particular letter was addressed directly to Timothy in response to problems being faced in the church at that time.

Back to context again..

Paul's major theme in his letter to Timothy is False teaching

But somehow he moves to conduct in church.

Note that he was addressing situations in this body domestically led by Timothy (don't forget this part). So to address conduct, most likely that there was misconduct

Teaching women weren't common in those days. So we can assume that the leadership of the church was men

So the take is the women then were not as learned as the men in those days and in that particular church (in the faith). And it is very possible that they were part of those advancing false teachings in the church

Learning requires submission to a teacher.

The teachers were majorly men. Tell the women in your church to submit to the authority of those who teach in stillness/quietness. To not try to exercise authority over the men leading. Respect and honor the leadership of the men God had called to lead the church.

The passion translation breaks in down also, but I prefer not to quote directly from it, as people might not understand how they got to their conclusion.

So what now does Paul mean by this

I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
1 Timothy 2:12 NIV

Again, remember there were cases where women taught in the bible and it wasn't condemned:

Priscilla and her husband teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26). Paul reminding Timothy of where he learned the word (his mother and grandmother). This should be in 2 Timothy

Our focus in this verse is authority over a man. As it expands the meaning of the woman don't teach Paul shared.

Now, who has authority in the church in the template given by Paul? Elders in the church actually

And we know that Elders in the church according to 1 timothy are men. Not just men, married men with families and also possessing some strong characteristics

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
1 Timothy 3:1‭-‬6 NIV

So what Paul is saying in essence is: I, Paul, do not permit women to assume the office of an elder in church. As this position of authority is open to heads of household who are proven and meet other requirements

In our world today, women actually speak in church. They teach and some are even pastors but I've seen and noticed some things. Women are usually allowed to lead only under the leadership of a male pastor.

In my stay in Macedonia, I've been led by 2 female Pastors (being assistant to both). Before the first female head pastor, the former pastor was a man and when the new pastor (woman) was ordained, people actually left the church. Some stayed but to them she wasn't pastor enough. I see it in Nigeria too. A woman is head Pastor over a church and people are wondering if God is there. This is as if God's presence is tied to male leadership only

We want to involve women o, but we also want to determine the extent to which we can involve women. If I were to start a church today, a lot of people will stand against it (probably people on here too 😁)

Everyone is okay with Remi teaching o but not okay with Remi being conferred head of a church

"It's just bible study group, so we don't mind". "It's just deacon position. They are not really in charge"

I've seen this everywhere. And it is not just for our generation. This talk has been here long before now.

Now, the question for our time is. Should women lead churches? Senior pastors and elders, should it be for men alone?

First, Paul asking women to ask their husbands is because in those days, the men were more knowledgeable. The women had little or no education. Most could probably not read and write. How then do they teach if they can't?

Now, to our time.

We have educated women everywhere. I can read and write as much as the man next to me. I have the same measure of the Holy Spirit as every man to help with scripture interpretation and divine wisdom. Why then can't women still lead a church?

We go back to this word authority. This is the root cause of all the problem. There is really no danger in women dictating generally to men, domineering or usurping authority over men. There is no danger at all in this!

Not understanding this as caused a lot for our world (not just in the church).

I once heard of someone who said he won't work somewhere because boss is a woman. A woman cannot be head over him bla bla

The only person a woman does not have authority over is her husband and that is because Christ made Him head of their home.

[39]Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the hill country of Judea.
[40]She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth.
[41]When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
[42]In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have.
ERV Bible. Luke 1:39-42


[44]While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his speech.
[45]The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the Holy Spirit had been poured out as a gift also to people who were not Jews.
[46]They heard them speaking different languages and praising God. Then Peter said
ERV Bible. Acts 10:44-46

We see Elizabeth here ( Woman), filled with the spirit  and she began to prophesy. Note that she spoke after the spirit came upon her

[8]But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”
ERV Bible. Acts 1:8

This was a direct promise from Jesus. That after the spirit comes upon us, we will become witnesses

What will we do as witnesses?

We will tell people about God EVERYWHERE. In every part of the world. No limit whatsoever!

When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
Acts of the Apostles 1:13‭-‬14 NLT

Inside the church and outside the church, all that have received the spirit will witness in accordance with the gifts this same spirit gives.

So if the spirit gives leadership gifts to a woman? She leads!

Teaching gifts? Teach she must

There is another myth that the leadership of women is restricted to only women. "Women can teach o, but let them gather their fellow women and discuss 999 ways to keep their men". Or they teach young girls only. These things are all around us subtly

When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
Acts of the Apostles 18:26 NLT

When Apollos (a man) started teaching and he wasn't teaching so accurately cos he knew only of John's baptism.

Guess who took him in to teach him? Priscilla and her husband

So yes, women can teach men. Women can teach their husbands. Women can also lead men

Anyone the spirit enables can lead the body of Christ, for the spiritual doesn't recognizer genders/sexes.

If women can teach in Sunday school, bible study, women meeting etc. Why can't they head or lead as teachers/pastors?

Here are all the reasons I've seen and noticed

1. Culture and Time

2. Insecurity and fragile masculine ego

3. Fear that the leader (woman) will usurp authority over her husband as a reason of this position, thereby disobeying Christ's will for their home

I think the 3 is the most valid.

I personally believe there are ways to address problem 3. Everyone has the tendency to abuse authority/position.

Yet we still give access to certain people. Train your women to understand exactly their role as leaders and their role as wives. Equip them properly for ministry. Then continue to pray for them

And for us women, the husband being head of home is not up for question. I might be his boss at work or pastor in church. I might earn more than him

None of these makes him less head. His headship is as conferred by God, so we respect this.

For point 1, culture will keep evolving with time. We will all fall in line laslas

For point 2, I believe men generally should find their security in the word of God not in their ability to Lord themselves over women. Note that this comment is not restricted to church.

Most men usually do not respect women, they believe they are more than every woman they meet.

If Uber driver is not telling you he has your type at home, it is a random man getting angry over a simple question.

A question they won't have issues with if a man asked o. A lot of us women can actually relate to this

Driver resigning when he saw his boss is a woman. According to him he cannot work under a woman

Saw another post where the driver resigned cos madam did not ask nicely when she gave description. According to him she ordered him around 😂

In fact, this particular driver before then would greet madam's younger brother as friends "Yes sir" but cannot use such terms for his madam because woman.

I have heard and seen a lot. Believe me, these things are ridiculous and definitely not the wish of God. God doesn't see any gender as less.

You are not more than anybody. Even the leaders in church, you are not more anything

You have been called to SERVE.

When it comes to the church—when it comes to spiritual things—when it comes to the body of Christ—there are no distinctions between men and women. As far as God is concerned, there are none. That's where many have missed it. They've made it a man-and-woman proposition—when it is not. It is a husband-and-wife proposition. The man is not the head of the woman in the church. The husband is the head of the wife in the home.
E. Robinson

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26‭-‬28 NLT

Every dividing line is erased. No segregation

Everyone is child enough. Can be used to whatever extent and in any capacity as deemed fit by God. As believers, we should accept and understand this.

HEARING GOD'S VOICE

As we walk this Christ walk, one of our greatest needs is to learn to consistently hear God's voice.
Jesus has not left and left us an incredible Job to do on our own. He does speak, He does lead, He does guide us into His perfect will and work in many ways.

We have access to both His spoken word and His Speaking voice

And like I've been hammering since we started, we have to believe this first.

Today's part of the series is focused on opening up our hearts and minds to know how God speaks to us and Specifically how He speaks to YOU

Also to understand that His speaking is in no way limited

Matthew 17: 1-5 ( The Transfiguration)

In this chapter, we see an amazing story of 3 of the disciples of Christ up on a mountain with Him. He is transfigured before them and they see Him in all of His glory, Moses and Elijah are in this cut too.

What an amazing experience it was for these men.

While they were taking all these in, the cloud of the father's glory begins to overshadow them and the father Himself speaks.

He could have said anything about His glory r Himself as the men present were so much in awe of what they saw and overshadowed by God's Glory.

But what did God say?

" This is my beloved son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!"

This was God's big statement at such a time.

Listen to Him

It was a charge, a command, a necessity

Now we cannot listen except we hear first.

You can not follow/obey what you did not hear

A lot of us have left this part to ministers alone. We've come to a place of believing it is spiritual leaders and pastors that have this access, that have been given this decree. I mean, God said that to the disciples not the general public

I am strongly convinced that it is still the primary responsibility and need today for all of us in this Christ walk (Ministers and non ministers alike)

A lot of leaders and ministers do so out of their own understanding and their own minds

A lot of us followers of Christ are led by our own desires and self instead of just being our description, Following

This call to Listen is directed at every one of us.

To be led, we must first hear then follow

Four Extremes on Hearing God's voice

1. God wrote a book and lost His voice

A lot of people believe that after the Bible was completed, God stopped speaking to us directly and only speaks through scriptures.

This is not true.
God's speaking is not limited to just the Bible. He speaks through other means (Though every spoken word/means do not go against the written word)

2. Moses' Syndrome

Just like the Isrealites:
"Oh Holy man, go up on the mountain with God and let Him speak to you and tell us what He said"

A lot of us are sitting comfortably here.
We want to be spoonfed
Waiting for someone to always bring what God is saying to us.

This set of people actually do acknowledge that God still speaks, but there is an error, they acknowledge/believe that only certain people have access to hear God speak.

So they wait for the certain/special people to always bring what God is saying to them

3. I want to hear Him but I CAN'T

A whole lot of us are here too.
We know God speaks but we just feel He speaks to others and not us.
We do not blame it on anything. It's just "we can't hear" and this is not a problem.
We've never even thought of it before, if it is something we should look forward to. I mean, we have the Spoken word and it's done so well for us

I'd like to remind us that have ears that hear for a reason. If God can speak then we can hear.
It's really this simple.

If you believe God can speak to your pastor and it is not a lie then God can speak to you too and you CAN hear

4. God speaks to me all the time about everything through His voice ONLY

This is false and extreme
If you've not dramatically heard the voice of God over a situation, this does not mean God is not speaking through other means.
The only way God speaks is not His voice.

He speaks through diverse means. "God did not tell me directly (with His voice) not to do xyz, so I'm going to do xyz"

Is xyz in accordance with scripture?

If no, why are you waiting for Him to speak again over what He has spoken before just so you can believe.

This is an extreme we must also do away with

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:3 NLT

We've been given assurance that surely He will speak to us who follow Him. He will consistently speak to us actually as there are different turns in this walk where He leads.

This is for us to know, that we can also learn to hear Him and know His voice.

I don't know if anyone has pets here and you had to train the pet from scratch.

You practically have to teach the pet (let's say dog) to know your voice, who to not bite in the house.

Infact, I've seen people introduce their guests to dogs

Like they will take you to where the dog is and be friendly with you then do introduction, just so it recognises you next time you come alone. We all can also learn to know the voice of God and hear Him

After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.  They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”
John 10:4‭-‬5 NLT

Now here is the bad part, for as many of us that do not know the voice of God, it is very possible that we will follow other voices

The Other Voices (Strangers: John 10vs5)

As we walk this Christ walk, we will encounter many other voices. Jesus called these the voice of the stranger.
These voices are bent on leading us astray. These voices could also be from well meaning people who don't know any better, which is why it is important that we hear for ourselves.

The key is to learn to differentiate between His voice and these others (Strangers)

1. The voice of the world

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.
1 John 5:19 NLT

The first voice we need to learn to deal with is the voice of the world. All over nations of the earth, the spirit of the world has shaped cultures, a whole lot of things we hold dear and valuable.

In all of these cultures and valuables, there are things that of course will not hinder our walk with Christ and us following Him

There are also a whole lot of thing that will stand in His way and oppose as we learn to follow Him

There is a reason Apostle Paul emphasised that we should no longer be conformed to the culture/pattern of the world.
 Our culture often shapes our lifestyle and even faith in God.
It plays a huge role.

There are so many things we do and believe in the church that are NOT Christ or kingdom minded.
They drifted in from our culture

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
1 John 2:15‭-‬17 NLT

The voice of the world is the first thing we should shut out, first thing.

If not we will be doing "Traditional/Cultural Christianity". Which in itself is not Christ like

And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”
Mark 7:13 NLT

Traditions and cultures that we are used to are very dangerous if we do not understand that most of them are of the world. And because we've been brought up with them, we've learnt to listen to this voice, we are used to it. We have to be very intentional with shutting it out.

2. The voice of the Religious Spirit

“Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:6 NLT

These ones are very powerful also and dangerous as they tend to masquerade as the voice of God.
They come to seekers of God and infiltrate our ability to hear God and follow Him in a living relationship replacing the life and work of the spirit for outward spiritual activities.

Satan in this place disguises himself as an angel of light. We've explained who the Pharisees are,
Those who focus all of their lives on external religious activities, duties and all but no real life in the spirit with God.

The Sadducees sought God but didn't believe in the supernatural activity of God in our lives. We have to be very careful of these religious spirits. We can't afford to have any of them as their voices stray us.

How do Religious Voices Operate?

* This voice constantly drives us to do more religious works to attain higher spirituality, get closer to God or hear God.

* This voice pushes us to be more interested/focused on outward religious works and duties.

* This voice focuses on us always using our logical mind instead of relating to God in a supernatural way by His spirit

If you hear Let's put God aside first, na dem o.

Put God aside where? 🙄🙄 There is no reason outside of God.

* The religious voice longs to replace the voice of the spirit with our own mental reasoning or outer works. If we find ourselves guilty of any of these, it is one of the reasons why we find it difficult hearing God

3. The Voice of Other people

See, sometimes people will mean well for you and try to advice you and stuff but it will not be according to God's will.
They are not misleading you on purpose. They might even have a  relationship with God sef and fellowship often with Him but still give wrong advice.

I learnt one thing from my late spiritual mum that first, I am my own prophet

I'd go to church those days and next thing she's asking me to go to the altar area and pray. Sometimes I will sleep off o, she will ask me what did God say.
In my mind, what did which God say 😂😂😂

Like just talk abeg, stop stressing me

It felt like it was punishment then. Infact, I  used that exact word. Mummy gave me punishment, to pray for hours or come to church and pray for days or add fast

Like why not just go straight to the point instead of stressing me 😭😭😭

Today, I tell you this is one of my fondest memories of her. I won't forget.
It is one lesson I really needed in this walk.

Those close to me off this group can testify, you cannot come and dump your prayer request on my head o, especially if we are close and I notice it is becoming habit.

I could be the one misleading you tomorrow (God forbid). But it is very important that we all know God for ourselves and stop constantly relying on other people to hear God for us

It is not bad for people to actually bring message from God. I get messages through other people a lot. But we should not rely on others for it.

You have your own hearing ear too

If you see yourself constantly waiting on someone else to speak to you or tell you what God said, there is a problem and you are making it difficult for your own ears to pick anything

4. The voice of our soul

This is the loudest I believe as it forms our core part. So many times I've heard people say, "I'm not so sure it is God speaking or me"

Everything passes through our souls. It is the filter for everything we hear so we must learn to discern what is coming from us and what is from the Lord. We must also learn to filter what we take in as it has a huge influence on what comes out

The spirit lives inside of us already and that is where He speaks to us. But as our spirit man receives the word, it must then be passed through our soul (which consists of our mind, emotions and will).
Our soul is largely influenced by us.

First, what is the origin of all that flows into your soul?

Your emotions, what have they been connecting with the most?

Your mind, what has it been pondering on the most? Note that your mind also takes in all that your body does (Your senses, from your seeing to feeling, to touching etc)

Your will, what are you strong-willed about?

One of major problems I've found in this part when it comes to hearing God is Unhealed hearts/Emotions and Unrenewed minds. If these are present, there  is need for a clean filter for the voice to pass through.

This is the answer, here is the solution :

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12 NLT

It starts with the word tbh. His word is powerful enough to do the cleansing, it will do the deep work in us. It pierces deep within us and exposes us to the division between the spirit and soul

It makes us aware of what is of the spirit and what comes from our soul.
It lays us bare. It strips us naked

Note that it is not judging or condemning us. As I've been typing, the spirit has also been laying bare certain things from my end too. That is what the word does, it open us up.

This is one step we all can't afford to miss.
If the word does not come in, our minds can't be renewed, we can't be transformed.

We will always be playing a guess game when it comes to hearing God's voice. Maybe it's God, maybe not.

It really doesn't stop at hearing God's voice, we also have to know it.

It is a great key to following Him

My sheep KNOW my voice

I pray that all we've learnt today really helps us in this walk and that we all come to a place of knowing God's voice. Amen

I BELIEVE

As an Anglican, I grew up reciting the creed every Sunday. Same as almost all things I was taught growing up, I didn't understand the full implications of the creed I proclaimed every Sunday at that time.

Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

Every Sunday of reciting this and it took a while for it to hit me.

Same with Psalm 23, most of us knew it since we were kids but some Christians are yet to understand fully what we are saying when we read these things

Today, if you ask me to introduce myself, I will most likely mention I'm a believer..
This will be part of my description of me. I believe most Christians will also

"Oh! My name is Olúrèmí, I'm 19 and the most beautiful person you know. I'm a believer in Christ Jesus"


Sounds so sweet and cliché

I've come to realize most people don't exactly know what they are saying when they tag themselves believers.

 Tonight, we will be talking on I BELIEVE.

What exactly does it mean to be a believer, in Christ Jesus?

Our opening scripture is John 3:16.

This is one of our earliest study of believing growing up as Christians.

John 3:16 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

John.3.16 - For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

The AMPC

Trust, cling, rely on.

To cling is to hold on to something strongly

To have a strong dependence on something/someone

Every Christian is familiar with this particular scripture.

Most tend to read or translate this verse as :
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that everyone who recognises and believe He is saviour will never perish but have life everlasting. The word believe used here means more than simply agreeing that Jesus, is truly saviour.

I believe that Donald trump is the president of the US, does that mean I believe in Him?

I believe and accept Paul Biya is the president of Cameroon, does that mean I believe in Him or accept him as my own president? No.

If we go by this analogy, even the devil believes

Let's read Mark 1:24 - “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Here is what demons had to say.

I know who you are

You are the Holy one of God!

If the devil knows and accepts that truly Christ is the son of God and this doesn't equal salvation to him, then it doesn't for us.

Knowledge and acceptance that Christ is the son of God is not all that our belief entails

This is where it begins though

Another instance is in the miraculous feeding of 5000 (John 6:5-13)

After the people saw the sign, the verse 14 says :
"After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, 'Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.'"

This is in reference to the old testament's foretelling of the coming of Christ

These people even planned to crown him king (that's how much they recognized who he was) but Jesus left quietly.

The next day, they sought christ out.
They had to cross to the other side of the lake sef to find Jesus

They found him and a conversation ensued between them (we can read the full chapter for understanding)

This came up in their conversation:

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”  Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:28‭-‬29 NIV

They already believed Christ was sent from God.

Christ's reply here shows that though the statement above is true, it is not what is required.
They had to believe IN the one that was sent

After all the explanations, long story short, this happened:

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
John 6:66 NIV

They believed Christ was the Messiah sent from God but they did not believe or accept fully His words. Don't know if the picture is getting clearer

For many people, the concept of their belief is like accepting an applications terms and condition (without reading or knowing it). Just scroll down straight and click the I accept part. All I care about is my need for the software. For most, all they care about is to sha be counted as those who are saved. So let's just head over to the I agree part of the contract

Doesn't work this way.

Suppose a person of weight, let's say 100kg, sees people walking on a bridge made of tiny ropes.
Even some other people of weight are passing through. And this person believes that he can pass and the tiny ropes won't break or give way. He even goes ahead to tell other people of weight to pass.

How do we know he truly believes he can pass and nothing will happen?.

When he actually walks across it! When he walks his talks!

Another instance,

I believe Seun can finish 10kg of rice at once. I make mouth to everybody on Word Alive

"Ehn? Seun? I trust him die. E go chop am finish. Person wey fit chop dead body. Forget. Na my guy. I know wetin u dey talk. E sure me dieeeeee"

I'm not merely bluffing, i do truly believe Seun can finish the food

Usually, what goes on next is action.
Not action to make me believe
Action produced from my believe

I will put money down for the rice or bet sef

 If Bimbo says
 "ah! Remi you are lying. How can Seun finish 10kg rice? Oya buy the rice let's see"

And my reply is refusal to buy the rice. Everyone on Word Alive automatically assumes I don't believe what I'm saying myself


Do we get what I'm trying to point at?

I'm trying to use as much relatable terms as possible

Believing IN someone brings a special kind of stanning.

Look at those that believe in the ministry of Pastor Chris, most actually model his dress style.

Look at Kim Kardashian stans, they are getting surgeries to look like her.

We tend to model the lives of those we truly Stan and believe in. We tend to obey such people (Bey hive as example here)

Take note of these words, Follow, model, obey

Let's open to Acts 16:30-31

Acts 16:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

This is the jailer asking Paul, what must I do to be saved.

Believe IN the LORD JESUS Christ

It is really this simple.

Believe IN Christ (Saviour), who is also Lord (Master) and you are saved.

A lot of us like Christ as Savior but not as Lord. There is a problem here

Trust that Jesus is truly saviour makes us rely on His death as the full payment for the debt of sin
This further translates into us depending on His own resurrection as the guarantee, that we would also be raised

And because we totally depend on Him up till life eternal, we follow His every lead as our Lord and Master

This is a brief sum up of I believe


The direct implication of I believe is that my believe is trust and dependence in what He has already done. To depend is to let Him lead

Christ is saviour - Fact!

I believe that Christ is my Saviour is me embracing the fact of Christ being saviour and all that it entails

Seeing Christ for who He really is. Embracing all that we see and allowing Him lead us in His path.

If we say we believe:

1. First, we truly know that Christ is Saviour

2. We accept Him as our own saviour and Lord

3. We accept His words and obey

4. We appropriate His works and rely on it completely.

5. We follow His lead

All of these produces the very character of Christ in us. Apostle Paul defines Faith, the one that saves as a decision to not trust in ones own works but rather in Christ who justifies us.

Our dear brother James, explains this (Saving Faith) further:

My brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but does nothing, that faith is worth nothing. Faith like that cannot save anyone. It is the same with faith. If it is just faith and nothing more—if it doesn’t do anything—it is dead.
James 2:14‭, ‬17 ERV

But someone might object and say, “One person has faith and another person has works.” Go ahead then and prove to me that you have faith without works and I will show you faith by my works as proof that I believe.
James (Jacob) 2:18 TPT

The author of Hebrews also had this to say:

And after being proven perfect in this way he has now become the source of eternal salvation to all those who listen to him and obey.
Hebrews 5:9 TPT

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Luke 6:46 NIV


Christ explaining what it meant to say He is Lord

Let's note that this doesn't mean we have to do to be saved


Rather that, our faith in Christ, that truly He saves us, produces these things, naturally.

If I want to know the man that believes in Jesus, how? It's in His obedience to Jesus. I don't know this by His words but by what his belief produces.

Do you believe?

If your answer is yes, then this is what it means for you:

You believe in who Jesus is (Saviour and Lord)

You trust in all what Jesus has done and rely on it completely

You obey Jesus and follow His lead

For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving.
Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 TPT

I will end with this reminder, that it is only Christ who saves. not how good we are or the good works that we do.


But our belief in Him and all He has done for us

HOW TO STUDY (MEDITATE) ON THE WORD EFFECTIVELY

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8 KJV

This is maybe the most common scripture that speaks about meditating on God's Word. Jesus said "haven't you read...."? He expects us to read the scriptures to gain deep insights. Studying the Bible is a command for a victorious Christian life. Our text encourages us to always study/meditate on the Word on a regular.

Jesus responded, “Haven’t you ever read what King David and his men did when they were hungry?

Matthew 12:3 TPT

If God places so much emphasis on His Word and He commands that we study the Word, how come we Christians find it a tad difficult studying the word?

There are different ways to study the Bible and what we will do tonight is run through almost all of them. Then we will major on how to study the Word as a foundation of faith and answered prayers

I'll run through a few reasons why people dont study the Bible

1. They don’t know how to study the bible. This is because either they’ve not been taught or they’re not self-taught. Job 33;33 , Ps 27;11. Most of us dont study the Bible because we've not been taught

And that's the reason for tonight's teaching. To equip people with knowledge on how to study the Word

2. Lack of hunger. People will study if they have the hunger. A lot of us have hunger for praise and worship (which isn’t bad) but it can’t replace bible study. Hunger for church activities, food, spouse, business etc. In fact, quite a number of us will prefer to be on social media than read our Bible, true?
It's because we dont have hunger for the Word

3. It’s not a priority. We do't see studying the Word as a priority

4. Hindering Spirits 2 cor 2;11

5. Bible reading goals. Most of us have set goals in life. When we want to marry, the type of career we want etc. But until we set Bible reading Goals, we might find it hard to read the Bible. Dr Mike Murdock has a Bible reading goal of 40 chapters per day. Wow. Late Myles Munroe reads through the Bible twice every year

I once heard Rev. George Adegboye say he has read the bible from cover to cover over 200 times. And i'm sure none of us are as busy as any of these men. In fact that;s why i didn't include being busy amongst the reasons why people don't study the bible. We are never too busy for what we prioritize

So let me dish out a few facts about the Bible and show you why its so easy through the Bible. The bible consists of two parts; the old and new testaments or covenants. With 69 books and 1189 chapters broken down into 31,173 verses, the bible has an estimated 800, 000 words.

It takes roughly 58 hours to read the bible with the inner voice and 71 hours to read at pulpit rate.
This means that it takes less than 3 days to read through the entire bible. If you read an hour a day, you’ll read through in just about 3 months. The gospels are a total 89 chapters and if you read 3 chapters a day, you’re done in a month. In fact if you read the Bible for one hour everyday, you'll read it from cover to cover 4 times in a year

SO, WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE FOR NOT READING THE BIBLE? I'll try to move very fast because there's so much to cover

When should we study the Bible?
1. Study when you are physically alert. (Some in the early morning, others late at night). 
 2. Study when you are not interrupted. 
 3. Study when you can focus on the Scriptures. 
 4. Study a little each day (forget about spending all day in the Word). 
 5. Study immediately before teaching (like taking an exam, study all semester, but   review before the exam).

Why should we study the Bible as Christians?
The study of the Bible is foundational to our growth as a Christian.  Therefore, every Christian should plan to study the Bible, similar to the way one eats food to grow physically.  Actually, several parallels may be drawn between good eating habits and a healthy approach to Bible study.

 Five Simple Steps to Studying the Bible

1: Observation
Observation is the first and most important step in how to study the Bible. As you read the Bible text, you need to look carefully at what is said, and how it is said. Look for:
a) Terms, not words. Words can have many meanings, but terms are words used in a specific way in a specific context. (For instance, the word trunk could apply to a tree, a car, or a storage box. However, when you read, “That tree has a very large trunk,” you know exactly what the word means, which makes it a term.)

b) Cause-and-effect: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things”

c) Literary form. The Bible is literature, and the three main types of literature in the Bible are discourse (the epistles), prose (Old Testament history), and poetry (the Psalms). Considering the type of literature makes a great deal of difference when you read and interpret the Scriptures.

d) Atmosphere. The author had a particular reason or burden for writing each passage, chapter, and book. Be sure you notice the mood or tone or urgency of the writing.

e)  Emphasis. The amount of space or the number of chapters or verses devoted to a specific topic will reveal the importance of that topic (for example, note the emphasis of Romans 9 and Psalms 119).

f)  Repetition. This is another way an author demonstrates that something is important. One reading of 1 Corinthians 13, where the author uses the word “love” nine times in only 13 verses, communicates to us that love is the focal point of these 13 verses.

g) Comparisons and contrasts. For example, “You have heard that it was said…but I say to you…” (Matthew 5:21).

After you've started observing as you Study the Word, the next thing you do is ask a couple of questions for deeper insights

2. Ask the Who? What? Where? When?
Who are the people in this passage? What is happening in this passage? Where is this story taking place? When in time (of day, of the year, in history) is it?
Asking these four “Wh” questions can help you notice terms and identify atmosphere. The answers will also enable you to use your imagination to recreate the scene you’re reading about.
As you answer the “Wh” questions and imagine the event, you’ll probably come up with some questions of your own.

Asking those additional questions for understanding will help to build a bridge between observation (the first step) and interpretation (the second step) of the Bible study process.

4.Interpretation
Interpretation is discovering the meaning of a passage, the author’s main thought or idea. Answering the questions that arise during observation will help you in the process of interpretation. Five clues (called “the five C’s”) can help you determine the author’s main point(s):

a. Context. You can answer 75 percent of your questions about a passage when you read the text. Reading the text involves looking at the near context (the verse immediately before and after) as well as the far context (the paragraph or the chapter that precedes and/or follows the passage you’re studying).

b. Cross-references. Let Scripture interpret Scripture. That is, let other passages in the Bible shed light on the passage you are looking at. At the same time, be careful not to assume that the same word or phrase in two different passages means the same thing.

c. Culture. The Bible was written long ago, so when we interpret it, we need to understand it from the writers’ cultural context.

d. Conclusion. Having answered your questions for understanding by means of context, cross-reference, and culture, you can make a preliminary statement of the passage’s meaning. Remember that if your passage consists of more than one paragraph, the author may be presenting more than one thought or idea.

e. Consultation. Reading books known as commentaries, which are written by Bible scholars, can help you interpret Scripture.

5. Application
The Bible says we shouldn't be just hearers but also doers of the Word

Application is why we study the Bible. We want our lives to change; we want to be obedient to God and to grow more like Jesus Christ. After we have observed a passage and interpreted or understood it to the best of our ability, we must then apply its truth to our own life.

You’ll want to ask the following questions of every passage of Scripture you study:
● How does the truth revealed here affect my relationship with God?
● How does this truth affect my relationship with others?
● How does this truth affect me?
● How does this truth affect my response to the enemy, Satan?

The application step is not completed by simply answering these questions; the key is putting into practice what God has taught you in your study. Although at any given moment you cannot be consciously applying everything you’re learning in Bible study, you can be consciously applying something. And when you work on applying a truth to your life, God will bless your efforts by, as noted earlier, conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ.

Techniques to studying the Bible

1. Random 
This is the lazy man approach to studying the bible. It entails opening a random passage from the scriptures and reading. I’ve outlined four points by which this method can be maximized.
1. What is the POINT of the passage?
2. Where is this thought found in PARALLEL passage?
3. What are the PROBLEMS in this passage?

4. What are some PRACTICAL applications for this passage?

2. Studying a Biography
This is perhaps the most interesting mode of studying the scriptures as it has to do with people, history and stories. There are 2,930 people mentioned in the Bible, and we can learn valuable lessons from studying their lives. Pick someone you would like to study, and using a concordance, a topical Bible or a proper-name index found in the back of some Bibles, look up every mention of that person.
The Psalmist wrote, "I cling to Your testimonies" (Ps. 119:31) and considered them his counselors (Ps. 119:24).  Understanding this principle, Paul repeatedly called upon those he reached for Christ to follow the example of the Christian life he modeled for them in his own life (II Thess. 3:7, 9; I Cor. 11:1; Phil. 4:9).

Phil 4:9
 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

1Cor 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

2 Thess 3 : 7-9 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

3. Chapter and Verse
When you study individual chapters and verses, look closely at the text. Sometimes it helps to compare different translations, or look up words in a Bible dictionary. Ask yourself:

• What is the principal subject of the chapter?
• What is a key verse? Consider memorizing it.
• What other portions of scripture buttresses this chapter or key verses
• Who are the principal characters?
• Is there any example to follow or to avoid?
Each chapter has a theme. Be sure to understand the theme of each chapter while reading Examples of scriptures and themes
• The Creation of the World in Genesis 1
• The Fall of Humanity in Genesis 3
• The Lord as Our Shepherd in Psalm 23
• The New Birth in John 3
• The Nature of Love in 1 Corinthians 13

• The Nature of Faith in Hebrews 11

4. Book Study
We can discover many truths from in-depth study of a specific book within the Bible. Each of the sixty-six books of the Bible has a particular emphasis and/or theme.  When the prophet first preached his sermons or an apostle first wrote a letter, they were trying to communicate a specific thought or theme.  These themes are best understood in the context of the whole content of the book.  When we study the Bible by book, we learn the major lessons of the Scripture in the manner that the human authors of Scripture intended to teach them.

Examples of scriptures and themes
• God is Love = John
• Prayer = James
• Worship, praise and prayer = Psalms
• Love poems = Songs of Solomon

5. Topical Study
We can also study the Bible by focusing on what it says about specific topics. What is God's take on anxiety, prayer, sexual purity or trust?
Using a topical Bible or a concordance, look up all the references to a specific topic. Ask yourself these questions:

• What is a working definition of the topic?
• How do all the verses relate together?
• What have you learned about the topic and what does it tell you about God?
• Which of these verses would be good to memorize?

6. Storyline/ Parables
Storylines and parables like character study is often very interesting. I mean who won’t be happy reading about the 17-year-old lad who brings down an 8 ft tall giant. Or the Christmas story or even the lady who became a queen by winning a beauty pageant and later on went to save her people.
Since all Scripture is inspired and profitable, then it includes biblical narratives.  Reminding his readers about the experiences of Israel in the wilderness, Paul wrote, "Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted" (1 Cor. 10:6).

How to study Storylines and Parables

a. Determine the climate, history, geography, businesses and living conditions where the story took place.
b. Determine main characteristics of the people in the story.
c. Determine the people who acted and those who reacted.
d. Look behind the words of the conversation to the meaning of their messages.
e. Determine the positive principles in the story that can be applied and the negative principles to be avoided.

f. What contextual conditions/promises applied only to the characters of the story and what universal principle can be applied to your today

The bible consists of two parts; the old and new testaments or covenants. With 69 books and 1189
chapters broken down into 31,173 verses, the bible has an estimated 800, 000 words. It takes roughly 58 hours to read the bible with the inner voice and 71 hours to read at pulpit rate. This means that it takes less than 3 days to read through the entire bible. If you read an hour a day, you’ll read through in just about 3 months. The gospels are a total 89 chapters and if you read 3 chapters a day, you’re done in a month. So why don’t people study the bible?

The Word, Transformation and Answered Prayers

It's best to read through the Word over and over again. The convener of Word Alive understands this and that's why she said we should start reading the new testament again.

You see, you get fresh insights and new revelations every time you read the scriptures. Now here’s the best part; somehow what you’ve read is embedded in your mind especially if it’s repetitive. Everything we read, hear and watch is somewhat embedded in us

Faith comes by hearing/reading the Word of God
Roms 10:17

Roms 12:2

...but be transformed by the renewing of your mind

The word of God renews our minds everytime we read it

That's why Josh 1:8 commands us to meditate daily

Jesus says the Words are Spirit and Life.


We draw life daily when we study daily

How are we transformed by the word

1. It jacks up our faith
Rom 10:17

2. There's a supply of the Spirit and Life of God.

3. It gives joy

Ps 119:111
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

4. The Word gives us wisdom

Ps 119:130
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple

5. It gives peace unspeakable

Ps 119:165
Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble”

6. The Word guides us in our daily lives and decision making

Ps 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

 Studying the Word to get Answers to Prayers

Step 1: ASK

A-Ask in accordance with the scriptures. Search out scriptures in line with your specific requests. If you study the Word on a regular, scriptures will readily pop into your mind as you pray. You can also use a concordance or even use Google. Search out scriptures and ask God for that which you desire in prayer.

Example:
Remi is praying for husband. So she will go into the Bible to search out scriptures that speak about marriage.

a) He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.” – Proverbs 18:22

b) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies
Proverbs 31:10

“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” – Proverbs 12:4


Prayer: Dear father, I'm your daughter of noble character, I ask that you bring a son of yours who understands that your daughter is worth far above rubies and will love me as Christ loves the church

Step 2.

S-SEEK
Seek out more of God's promise in His Word concerning what you're asking. Remember that faith is the substance of what is not seen. That substance is the tangible Word of God. Hold fast to your profession of faith as seen in the Word and fashion your confession with the promise you found.

Now, the Word is on your inside. The seeking at this stage is done with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps you to search out an answer to your prayer in scripture. Either while you read the Word, you see the exact passage that speaks to the situation or He will bring to your remembrance a specific scripture that speaks to the situation.

This will be your profession of faith and you will hinge your confession based on this scriptures.

Example:
So Remi is reading the Bible and sees this passage (in a new light)

1 Sam 16:11-12
11. So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered. "He is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." 12. So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; this is the one."

At this point she realises it's non of her toasters but a certain fine boy who's is a pastor (a sherperd)

Please note: Your enlist the help of the Holy Spirit by speaking in tongues over your prayer request.

Step 3

K-Knock consistently with tongues and thanksgiving. Remember the angel told Daniel (Dan 10:12-14)that God answered his prayers the very day he prayed but the Prince of Persia blocked his answered prayers for 21 days. Daniel's persistence in the place of prayer delivered the answers. So likewise we must keep knocking with tongues and thanksgiving over that which we've asked the father for till we get it.

Example
Remi sees this and hinges her hope on this scripture. See, at this point she realises she's seen the answer to her prayer. It's all based on the fact that she's an ardent student of the Word

So her confession goes thus:

Father, I think you because you've prepared me for your son who's a shepherd over your people. I thank you because you'll bring him speedily without haste because two are better than one and I am the help suitable for him in ministry.

Then she continues in tongues and worship over this prayer: ... untill it's manifestation.