10 Quick Facts about Faith You need to know

1. FAITH IS NOT A "feeling". You may "feel faithish" sometimes, but it doesn't mean you have faith and vice versa.

2. FAITH IS NOT MENTAL: FAITH IS SPIRITUAL. Faith is of the HEART, not of the mind

*[[2Co 4:13]] KJV* We having the same SPIRIT of faith...

*[[Rom 10:10]] KJV* For WITH THE HEART man believeth

It may have a mindly contact at its operation times, but it doesn't dwell or arise from the mind. It is not the same as courage. It is not optimism. It is spiritual.

3. FAITH IS NOT GENERATED BY YOU: it does not emanate from you. Faith is produced by Christ Jesus and received by you.

*[[Heb 12:2]] KJV* Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR... of our faith;

Jesus is the Author of faith. It is therefore plagiarism/copyright offence to claim to have one faith outside Christ Jesus.

*[[Gal 2:16]] KJV* Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law...

*[[Gal 2:20]] KJV* I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF THE SON OF GOD...

*[[Phi 3:9]] KJV* And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

4. FAITH HAS ITS BOUNDARIES IN CHRIST. It has its clearly marked out fences. So not anything is faith!
Sure! Don't be deceived! we can have some things that look like faith but it is "not of faith".

*[[Gal 3:12]] KJV* And the law is NOT OF FAITH: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

*[[Rom 14:23]] KJV* And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth NOT OF FAITH: for whatsoever is NOT OF FAITH is sin.

5. FAITH DOES NOT COME BY DOING: it comes by hearing

*[[Rom 10:17]] KJV* So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hence, anytime you are planning to exercise the greatest faith, it's not your muscles you should start to stretch: it is your ears, your receptability. Two ears but one mouth. Listen more!

*[[Rom 10:17]] ISV* Consequently, faith results from listening, and listening results through the word of the Messiah.

6. Every believer has been given faith at salvation

[Rom 12:3] ...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

*[[2Pe 1:1]] KJV* Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to THEM THAT HAVE OBTAINED LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH  with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

7. NOW THIS FAITH RESIDES PERMANENTLY IN THE BELIEVER AND ITS THE SAME FOR ALL BELIEVERS

*[[2Co 4:13]] KJV* We HAVING the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

He is always HAVING the spirit of faith, and one believer does not have a stronger or hotter spirit of faith than another.

8. THE PRESENCE OF FAITH DOES NOT CONNOTE THE ABSENCE OF FEAR. You can have the two: double mindedness.

*[[Mar 9:24]] KJV* And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I BELIEVE; help thou mine UNBELIEF.

An externally generated false information about who you are can make you develop fears or doubt: nevertheless you keep "having the same spirit of faith". Please at such times, say "I believe. Therefore I speak. I have the same spirit of faith".

Faith thrives on knowledge/information. Fear/doubt does the same

9. EXPRESSION OF FAITH GROWS WITH SCRIPTURAL MEDITATION: FEAR GROWS WITH UNSCRIPTURAL INFORMATION.

When false information is starved by a consistent hearing and meditation on the word of Christ, the communication of faith becomes exceedingly effectual.

*[[Phm 1:6]] KJV* That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

10. FAITH AT WORK PLACES A MAN ON THE SAME POWER RATING WITH GOD.

An effectual communication or expression of faith places the believer on the same level with God in supernatural abilities: he does exactly what God can do.

For example, it's "WITH GOD" we know all things are possible (Luke 1:37 Luk 18:27; Gen 18:14; Num 11:23; Jer 32:17; Jer 32:27; Mat 19:26)

But Jesus made us know that to him that BELIEVES, ALL THINGS ARE AS WELL POSSIBLE!

*[[Mar 9:23]] KJV* Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Hmmm... What else? By faith! Because they believed God, some of them won wars against other countries. They did what is right and fair. And they received good things that God had promised. Some of them caused big wild cats called lions to shut their mouths. Some of them put out fires that were burning very strongly. Some of them got away from people who wanted to kill them with long knives. After they had been weak, they became strong. They became very strong to fight wars. They beat foreign armies and they caused those armies to run away. [[Heb 11:33-34]] EasyEnglish

You have the same (not a different) spirit of faith those Bible men have. You can do ALL they did. In fact, do what God can do. Keep meditating on the right word of Christ! Quit hearing external information that tries to push the power sword of faith from your usage of it. Quench the fiery darts with the shield of faith. Rejoice evermore!

Why God has been so merciful to you, to us, and to our lands

Most people already can see that God has been so merciful to our unrighteousness. For instance, everyone seem to agree already that unlike the era of the law, God is not punishing people for sins: it's quite clear and without controversy! You hear of Sodom and Gomorrah and compare with what we do today... You see people blaspheme God anyhow today.. robbers even enter churches today to rob, and we can clearly see there's a big difference between the law era and this grace. Everyone believes it's of the Lord's mercy we are not consumed. They say daily "it's not because I'm this. not because I know how to pray..." But not many people understand why this is so. The difference if anyone knows it is enough to get an unsaved saved. The difference is Christ Jesus, the price paid and the grace purchased.

It will be injustice for God to just be passing over the same transgressions He punished people for under the law, except there's a cause. Yes! There's a cause! Jesus is the cause!

In plain terms, this is why God has been so merciful to our unrighteousness.

Hebrews 8:12 KJV
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more..

Glory!

Hebrews 10:12, 14, 17-18 KJV
But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Jesus offered the sacrifice we ought to offer to appease God for those sins and it was to be valid and effective for ALL TIMES. He did this and afterwards went to SIT DOWN because He is too sure He has done a perfect job for sins, and He is never afraid wrath for sins might ever come, unlike the priests under the law who must ever be at alert in case God is angry again.

Verse 18 says Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
So there's no more offering to appease for sin. That is why this grace era is just too peaceful because Christ is our peace. If any man sin today, He is the propitiation for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:1-2)

So friend, God declaring you a righteous man is not ordinary. God is not "storing your sins in a cooler" waiting when your cup is full to pour heavy wrath on you. No! GOD WILL NEVER PUNISH YOU FOR YOUR SINS! Why? Jesus cup was filled with it.

*[[Mat 26:39]] KJV* And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou will

*[[Isa 53:5]] BBE* But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well.

So God isn't finding it hard to forgive you: in fact, He will be unjust to hold any sin against you.oh Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. [Rom 4:8]

Forgiveness is now your right. Mercy now your right! Peace with God is now your right! You must never have to be again punished for your sins Jesus was punished for them. This is what the sinner must believe if he will be saved. Appreciate Jesus!

Christ the reason for our peace Today

For he is our peace, who has made the two into one, and by whom the middle wall of division has been broken down, Having in his flesh put an end to that which made the division between us, even the law with its rules and orders, so that he might make in himself, of the two, one new man, so making peace; [Eph 2:14-15] BBE


No one today can come up to tell us he has received from God according to his sins.

*[[Psa 103:10]] KJV* He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

No one today can come up to tell us God has dealt with him just according to his unrighteousness
because He does not judge people for sins anymore! And this agrees with the demands of justice in that He has committed the same judgment on his son. That's the reason!

*[[Joh 5:22]] KJV* For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

No sinner should go unpunished! Yes! But now that someone offered to bear the sins, he must also bear the punishment they deserve: so that the sinners receive the righteousness and wrathlessness he doesn't deserve.

*[[2Co 5:21]] KJV* For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

He forsook His Son on the cross. Uh! But that's too harsh of a father? We are talking about sin and justice here: God strongly detests sin and even His Son was not spared in this matter. Why did the Father do this to Jesus? To ensure an everlasting peace: so He will never do such to you for sins: so that He will never leave you nor forsake you: so He will never cast you away in any wise. All for you!

So today the scriptures is fulfilled which say

For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the COVENANT OF MY PEACE be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. [Isa 54:9-10]

Shall we now sin the more, because we have the covenant of peace? Yes, if you're not yet born again because the spirit of holiness has not yet been received by you. Those who are born again do not make the habit of sin (1John 3:8-10).

Will God rescind this covenant of peace because of men's continual sin? No, because He already first dealt with the men's sins on Jesus, knowing the instability of man to walk in holiness. But they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with all its lust and affections (Gal 5:25)

Whether we tell you or we keep it from you, we all are enjoying grace and peace with God purchased by Jesus today even though not all believe Jesus and live righteous. But knowing this truth will give you one more reason to love Him and live a thankful life, and perhaps if you have not yet accepted the reconciliation with God, you'll see one more reason to do so.
Bless you Jesus!

Grace-works incompatible mix

Please why did we cook up our own Bible?

Please follow this conversation

Q: I thought you said you've got Christ in you and that you're a believer. How come you're doubtful of rapturing with your lord you claim to know and believe?
A: Ah! mehn, it's not as easy as that o.
Q: what do you mean?
A: It's not enough to believe. You must still work hard to have kept God's laws.
Q: you mean one must be perfect and not lag in anything?
A: hmm.. not really... that's the place of grace. but before one can get that grace to rescue him, God must see that this one has really tried.
Q: which scripture have you to back up this?
A: hmmm..em..em.. can't remember any.. but you know it can't just be free for just any person who did not even make any effort.

It sounds logical to the brain because it came out from there. There's no mention of that in the Bible! None! That God's grace was given to complement your self effort, No!

See... God does not give His vindication to the man that is godly o! Otherwise it will be of works and not o grace. Besides, if a man is already self righteous on his own, why does he need God's pronouncement?

*[[Rom 4:5]] KJV* But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness.

It says grace is "to him that worketh not", him that works not worthy! Not to him that works and has "really tried": otherwise grace will now be on merit. It's called grace because it's free. It's free because it makes no requirement. And don't forget, a stain of self effort on grace annuls it entirely.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. [Rom 11:6]

See... God strongly detests whenever flesh tries to mix up with His work. He will never see man share the glory of what He does! He doesnt need your worthiness if He will bless you! He prefers to justify the ungodly: He will condemn the man that is godly in his own sight.

After He clothes you with His own righteousness, He calls you by His own name. He sees you in a different light. He shares with you His divine nature. You become one with Him. You cease to be the unworthy sinner: you become the worthy saint who boasts in His righteousness and the new status you've assumed, giving thanks to God.

Salvation: Absolutely Free

Today we must iron out things properly by the scriptures on this salvation. When we say salvation is free, everybody seem to agree on the lip level, but if I will point out some things now, you'll see how you preacher or Christian has been charged on what is free of charge.

Today, we live in a world that is full of deceptive tactics they call "business sense". Many of us have fallen into unplanned debt deceived by these so-called freebies. Such that when you hear that something is free, you are already suspicious. Instances:
"Make free calls on our GSM network" is what they say, but, when you draw near, you discover you must migrate to one new tarrif plan where billing rates are different, must have a minimum balance of so and so, must make calls of at least so and so, a daily access charge is also involved.. yet they call it free. They say "come and take free scholarship", but it will be required of you to maintain a high minimum academic standing. If they call it free for you, investigate. You will be charged somewhere in the process: if not at the start, in the middle or at the end. You may enjoy free call for a whole day, but after that day, the new call rate will amaze you: you will be wickedly billed. Even in what people of the world call "promo", it's not to reward you, it's to increase their sales because you will be made to pay for it either in quality or quantity reduction or price inflation. A company will sponsor you for further studies? At the end, you will be compelled to their agreement which will be so tight in one way or the other. You see how dishonest the sons of men are, and you conclude: nothing is free even in Freetown. In fact, an adage has been carved out for it: "Awuf dey run belle": meaning free things can be harmful.

If the child of God is not careful, oftentimes this mentality is transferred into our relationship with God, so that when you know salvation is free, you don't expect it to be free all through: you must still have to give something along the way. No sir! Salvation is completely free all through!

First you must realise God is not a man. He has a weakness and that is His inability to lie or deceive.

*[[Tit 1:2]] KJV* In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Second, He is not in need of profit of material gains. Those business men are profit-driven, and that's why they don't mind whatever will deceive you just as long as their sales rise. To say that God is rich is actually insultive. He owns everything and cannot WANT..

If God has said therefore that salvation is to be received freely, then it must be true.
Matthew 10:7-8 KJV
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand... freely ye have received, freely give.

*[[Eph 2:8-9]] ISV* For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not come from you; it is the gift of God and not the result of actions, to put a stop to all boasting.

However, a lot of us are just not comfortable so great salvation can and should be free. If some of us are close to God sentimentally, we'll have suggested to Him to ask that people should at least "sow a seed" to God, but thank God God cannot be bribed.

Salvation is free completely and absolutely! Some have said salvation is in three kinds: the salvation at altar call level, salvation at continuity level (intermediate) and the final salvation at rapture. They also say that one must pray for the latter two, especially the "final final" salvation at rapture and we should just pray and desire we're able to make that one because it's the ultimate. Hmm.. Let's just pretend to agree with that theory first. In all the three kinds or stages, salvation is free! We already settled it must be free all through, otherwise it's not different from those dubious business people. They tell you a software is free, you download it, and after 30 days, they tell you it's only a "trial version" all the while: "sorry we said it's free at first, but you must now make a donation to support the organisation". Thieves!

But God will not do things that way. If you don't do a thing to get saved, then you must not do a thing to continue to be saved. At the last day, you also must not do a thing still and yet be saved: otherwise, salvation is not truly free.

How does a man get saved? As stated in the bible

*[[Rom 10:9]] KJV* That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Sorry! faith is not even demanded from you at salvation. Whichever messenger has ever asked you to first "believe" is charging you what is to be freely received. Faith is to come to you by hearing, not to give you an extra demand to go and be searching for faith.

*[[Rom 10:17]] KJV* So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

All you do is to receive the faith free of charge and by it, believe.

What about holiness and righteousness? Yes, they are required at start, middle and the end to service the salvation. But again, they are supplied by the captain of your salvation, not you.

*[[1Co 1:30]] KJV* But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Everything is free because ALL that the salvation journey costs has been catered for. It's not like these days they'll tell you education is free and you'll get to the school, start classes, but in the middle of the term, they'll say "it's either you pay your PTA fee or no exam" or one teacher will cast you away because you didn't contribute money to buy a duster. All that is needed to service salvation is supplied so that heaven is not denied a man because of spiritual poverty.

*[[Mat 5:3]] KJV* Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

*[[2Pe 1:3]] ISV* His divine power has given us everything we need for life and GODLINESS through the full knowledge of the one who called us...

The requirement for salvation at the first is not different from at the end.

Salvation is a gift of God and not of works. This is valid at the start, middle and at the end. You won't get to heaven and God who has said it is not of works at the start will now say because you didn't do good works, you're not saved.

At the middle (continuity)
You are to continue the way you received freely by faith and never try to pay for it or merit it

*[[Col 2:6]] KJV* As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

At the end
Even the man without good works is saved still because it's not of works lest some boast they made heaven.

*[[1Co 3:15]] KJV* If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire.

In conclusion, bible says you should continue in him as you have received him. It was simple at the start. Never get it complicated afterwards. You believed to be saved at the start: believe to continue too. As you have received him so walk in him. No deviation sir! It's freeeeeeee!
*[[Gal 3:3]] NET* Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort?

Please Don't Fall Sick Again!

Wonder why some Christians still fall sick even after the perfect and eternal redemption Jesus did for us all? I wonder too. Howbeit not all Christians fall sick, so we cannot say sickness is a master over man and Christians alike and does not respect anointing of God on your head. That cannot be!

Let's put aside why Christians fall sick, let's follow health pattern as laid out in the bible!

A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord (1Corinthians 14:4 NLT)

So as I pray or speak in tongues, I am strengthened personally in the Lord! Conversely, a person who does not speak in tongues...

Paul advised us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10) Ah what a candid advice, he that has ears to listen! You better be strong in the Lord! Let's see why.

*[[Proverbs 18:14]]

*BBE* The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?

*EasyEnglish* When a man is sick, his spirit helps him. But nobody can live if his spirit is not strong.

*ISV* A man's spirit can sustain him during his illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

*KJV* The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Hmm.. It says When a man is sick, his spirit helps him. That is, you will have to rely on the sustaining power of your spirit when sickness comes knocking. How strong that spirit is is what determines how much help is obtainable. This is true for all men, Christian or no Christian. Thank God the Christian have an advantage to be "strengthened personally in the Lord" by speaking in tongues.

That version says But nobody can live if his spirit is not strong. Huh!

Enough is enough now of the percent of your income you spend on daily drugs on sickness without improvements! Imagine if you have had to spend those money on books to encourage you to speak in tongues more and more! It's time to break loose from every satanic shackles called sickness! Don't let anybody deceive you that speaking in tongues is ordinary. Don't get childish! Grow! Grow beyond the gossiping play-loving Christian: spend those times in prayer in tongues! Get stronger than the challenge imposed on your spirit man and tear the chains like nylon. The time is up for all forms of spiritual enslavement begetting precious children of God! Get up from that sick bed shouting in tongues! Devil gets lost now! I outgrow frustration, I outgrow sickness. I outgrow infirmities. I outgrow all oppressions. I outgrow all forms of servitude I've been subjected to due to my ignorance! The ignorance is past now as I now see my right and privilege in Christ. I am strengthened personally in the Lord! I speak in tongues every time! I speak everyday, while walking, while moving.. I pray in tongues! I dance in the spirit.. ohh Alleluia!

When a man is sick, his spirit helps him. But nobody can live if his spirit is not strong.

Please don't die son! Speak often in tongues. Who is he that lives long and healthy? he that mastered the right use of the tongues especially to speak utterances as given by the Spirit of God. If his spirit is strong, a man can live. Conversely, if his spirit is weak, he sadly may die. But your portion is life: speak in tongues.

3 kinds of people you should never call born again

1.
He has suddenly changed his characters recently. He is no longer that bad womanising, drunkard fellow. He has renounced cultism. He no longer does charms. Wow! He no longer does wicked as before. All those bad things he used to do, he does them no more. In fact, he now attends church. All those bad places he used to go, it's no more. Therefore he is born again? Hasty generalisation! He repented from his bad ways, but repentance from those things is NOT salvation.

Even Judas Iscariot repented for betraying Jesus and even restituted by returning the money he was paid. Feeling bad about sins is not the same as salvation.
The concept of New Year Resolution is of everybody in the world: it doesn't mean if you make and keep your resolution makes you born again.

If he has not believed the death and resurrection of Jesus for his sin, he is not born again. Such a person is only a REPENTANT DEVIL.

2.
He is called bro or sis. He has a big Bible. He has the sticker of his church or denomination that reads "I am a Christian". Anytime there will be a religious war or argument, he is quick to fight for Christianity. He speaks more about his church activities. He loves to run with fellow guys in his church. He's mastered several Christian recitations and puts the watchword sticker on many if his items. He believes in his church and their doctrines, rules and regulations and in fact keeps them well. He likes his pastor so much. He participates in Congregational injunctions such as Congregational fastings, prayers etc.

Ooh oh, he is born again? That's not what we are talking about. Don't conclude. He might just be a RELIGIOUS DEVIL.

3.
He doesn't believe in Jesus actually, but he believes there is God (which even demons do. James 2:19). He prays to Olorun Olodumare. He hopes for the best in life. He believes in hard work. He believes in the law of sowing and reaping. He loves diligence and he believes hard work pays. He hates unrighteousness. He hates corruption. If he has not heard and believe Jesus, He is only a MORAL DEVIL. Beware of him please.

How do you get saved?

Receive the gospel. What is the gospel?
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [1Cor 15:3-4].

Receive this, and you are born again.

Salvation: How Did we Arrive Here?

Today, the most fundamental truths as revealed in the bible are also probably the least known! A platform like this will help us get things straight again in the Holy Ghost. Where are we? Who are we? Where have we arrived? And how did we arrive here? All as defined by the bible. Praise God!

So where are we?
We are in Christ Jesus. Secure and sealed!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.[[2Co 5:17]]

and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.[[1Jn 5:20]]

And be found in him... [Philippians 3:9]

We are in the Spirit, not in the flesh!

[[Rom 8:9]] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

In fact, In the Spirit is our home!

[[Gal 5:25]] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Now, How did we get here? Salvation/rebirth.

By my chats with Christians, I discovered this is the most clumsy path to trace for many. Lots only know they are saved but don't know they got saved. They begin to tell stories. One day, in 19something I was in one meeting, as I was... as I was... then... and then I... and then I... That was how I decided not to sin again and "I gave my life to Christ"

Because there were many things that happened that day, so many cannot pinpoint what or when exactly they got saved, especially if it was a long sermon or series of sermon with irrelevant words and even jokes. But the Bible will clarify things for us. Will you like to see it?

*[[Act 16:30]] KJV* And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

That was the conversation between Paul and Silas and the jailer. The question was "what must I do to be saved?"

But to you who is saved now, we can rewrite it as "Sirs, what did I do to be saved?" or better still "how did I get saved?"

*[[Act 16:31]] KJV* And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

"I believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and I am saved!" Alleluia!

What about Romans 10:9?

*[[Rom 10:9]] KJV* That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

I confessed with my mouth because that's what I believe, God raised Jesus from the dead! That is how I got saved! Alleluia!"

Henceforth, don't be of the group that if asked cannot pinpoint the exact thing that got them saved!

It's not the altar call, it's your believing that God raised Jesus from the dead! Not everybody got saved in church! Not all church calls for altar call all the time!

It's not of your believing in God (because even demons believe in one God), but belief in Jesus!

It's not of your works (Eph 2:9), so speak less of your works when asked how you got saved.

It's not your change of behavior! Salvation produces a change of character, but a change of character is not salvation. Everyone of us here didn't get here because of our change of character. It's when we arrived here that we started to drop every bad character, so we cannot boast of our change of character to get saved. Any person in the can make new year resolutions but no resolution cannot get them here whether successful or not!

First, there was or must be a hearing. [Rom 10:17] KJV So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

And then you simply rest on what you heard. This is what is called believing. That is how you got here, part of us, a member of the body of Christ! That is how you got saved! That is what is common to ALL who are saved EVERYWHERE in all nations and kingdoms.

Now you can take the same message to someone's hearing today. He also may rest on the message that God raised Jesus from the dead and believe. Stamped! He also gets here with us in Christ. Glory to Jesus!

How to know if your interpretation or understanding of the scriptures is correct

How do I know if the way I'm interpreting scriptures when I read it is right or wrong? Do we lazily rely on the theory of "each man is entitled to his own opinion"? No! There is no opinionism in Bible interpretation. But how then do we rate or evaluate interpretations since we have diverse views already? Some say "pray and let the Holy Spirit give you the meaning". Hmm.. But even with that, we still do not interprete the same way! Isn't the Spirit one anymore?
Truth is not relative at all: it is ABSOLUTE: ONE AND THE SAME!
But how do we mark people's answers right or wrong? Now the Bible again will answer you.

Come with me to Luke 24..

*[[Luk 24:45]] KJV* Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

So what you're about to hear now is Jesus' understanding of the scriptures. He opened their understanding that they might understand the scriptures, how? what words did He call the words by which one "understand the scriptures"?

Note that He didn't say "a scripture", or a verse of the scriptures, but "the scriptures".

Now, what does the Bible mean by the scriptures? Genesis to Revelations? No.
Genesis to Malachi, the law and the prophets.

So if you pick any portion of these books, Jesus is about to tell us what He told those men and they afterwards were said to "understand the scriptures".

Luke 24:46 NIV
He told them, "THIS IS WHAT IS WRITTEN: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
47 and repentance and
forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem

What a simple summary! Jesus said "THIS is what is [actually] written..." I thought that would be a typographical error but it's not. This, not these... The scriptures are not about MANY things. It's just about ONE. The day you also stop considering the Scriptures as multifaceted or multidimensional is when your mind opens too and you begin to understand the Scriptures.
This I what all of the holy men who spake as moved by the Holy Ghost were saying: that it behoved Christ...
behove means "necessary"...
It was necessary for Christ to suffer...

Let's highlight what Jesus said the Scriptures were saying. The entire Scriptures can be summarised into four headlines:

1. behoved or it was necessary for Christ to suffer
2. to rise from the dead
3. repentance and forgiveness of sins be preached in His name
4. this work must begin at Jerusalem

So when you read Joel 2:28,
*[[Joe 2:28]] KJV* And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

you ask why was that speaking to the Jews? Because it must begin at Jerusalem.

So when you read Jeremiah 31:33
Jer 31:33-34
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the Lord,
I will put my law in their inward parts,
and write it in their hearts;
and will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying,
Know the Lord:for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord:
for I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more.
(KJV)

And you think this promise should be for all men, you'll know it's because it must begin at Jerusalem.

So when you read Exodus and ask why did the things happened to Israel as they happened? Why must people always bring the blood of animals often? Answer: it is necessary that Christ suffer these things. When you read the cries of Isaiah and the lamentations of Jeremiah, what do they mean? it is necessary that Christ suffer these things...
"who hath believed our report...", "I sought for a man to stand in the gap... I found none", "there is none righteous", "Job 14:1-2
1 Man that is born of a woman
is of few days, and full of trouble.
2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not."
Ecc 4:1
1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun:and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
"vanity upon vanity, all is vanity"
What all these mean is that it is necessary for Christ to suffer... man is helpless, defenceless, miserable. A Christ must arise.

what's Isaiah 59:1 saying?
Isa 59:1-2
1 Behold, the Lord 's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;
neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God,
and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

It is saying it is necessary for Christ to suffer..

So the Scriptures keep telling us the necessity of the Christ to suffer. You keep hearing that word "must" emphasized in all of Jesus' words.

See how Peter puts it

[1Peter 1:10-11]] ...the prophets... who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST, and the glory that should follow.

Hmm.. See again what Jesus said:

*[[Luk 24:25]] KJV* Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe ALL that the prophets have spoken:

ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN. Jesus wants to tell us ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN

*[[Luk 24:26]] BBE* Was it not NECESSARY for the Christ to go through these things, and to come into his glory?
*[[Luk 24:26]] KJV* Ought not Christ to have SUFFERED these things, and to enter into his glory?

I thought the Messiah's coming is just a portion or SOME of the Scriptures, but Jesus said if you don't believe this (how it's necessary for Christ to suffer), you don't believe ALL (not some) that the prophets have spoken. It means this is ALL everyone was saying! According to Jesus, and even Peter, if you don't KNOW this, you don't know some of scriptures? You don't know ALL that the prophets have spoken. What a heavy blow on your theological professorial office! Sorry! You know nothing!

*[[Luk 24:27]] KJV* And beginning at Moses and ALL the prophets, he expounded unto them in ALL THE SCRIPTURES the things concerning himself.

He began at Moses (Genesis) and ALL the prophets... hmm. It was a long journey you know.

*[[Joh 5:39]] ISV* You examine the Scriptures carefully because you suppose that in them you have eternal life. Yet they testify about me (how Jesus will suffer these things).

This is how the word that became flesh told us the Scriptures are. This is how to know if you are carrying a true interpretation of the Scriptures or not. Can you summarise your interpretation to how it behoved Christ to suffer these things and be raised from the dead? Get it right here and keep getting it right. Miss it here and keep missing ALL THE SCRIPTURES. Because ALL scripture is a product of the inspiration of God by prophecy (2Peter 1:20-21, 2Timothy 3:16) and it is only the TESTIMONY of JESUS CHRIST ALONE that is the spirit (breath, inspiration) of prophecy (Rev 19:10).

God's Spirit does not leave the Believer

One of our Praise Song goes…
create in me a clean heart oh Lord
And renew right spirit within me
Cast me not away from thy presence oh Lord
Take not thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto....

Haba! But Let's see the Bible

See David didn't want to lose the Holy Spirit..
Hmm... But we don't dwell in the same dispensation. The Holy Spirit comes into the believer at salvation and He has come TO STAY!

He DWELLS in the believer FOR BETTER, FOR BETTER!
FOREVER!

[Joh 14:16] KJV And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you FOR EVER;

You remember the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman?

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. [Joh 4:13-14]

Water here is symbolic of the Spirit (John 7:39)

He says to her, if you can have this water; normally when you take of water, the quantity reduces, but this will increase and become a well. Well is symbolic for STABILITY, UNSHAKABILITY, ASSURANCE, FIXED STRUCTURE, PERMANENCE source. A source that is fixed, immovable.

Now, to thirst means to be in short of water, right? To thirst for this Jesus' kind of water will therefore mean to lack the Spirit.

But Jesus says that man "shall NEVER THIRST AGAIN". Hmmm...

Now, at salvation, a Christian takes of this water.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been ALL MADE TO DRINK INTO ONE SPIRIT. (1Corinthians 12:13)

Only ignorance therefore could have made Christians who have taken this water (at salvation) keep reciting David: "my soul pants like a deer", "I thirst for you…", "fill my cup…"

I am not saying don't be hungry anymore, but please be definite about what you're hungry or thirsty for. It cannot be for the Holy Spirit as we just see. It cannot be for "more of the Spirit" as some people often hide under. God doesn't give the Spirit in quantity (John 3:34). There's no 5kg Holy Spirit, 60% Holy Spirit, etc.

So Jesus says to the drinker of His water he will NEVER lack that Spirit anymore. He will never have to come back for another bucket of Holy Spirit, or another "filling of the Spirit", because he will have a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.

So unlike David, Unlike Saul, unlike Samson… God will NEVER leave the believer

[Psalm 37:25] I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken...

Therefore if you're among "the righteous", you will NEVER be forsaken.

Every man that has received the gospel has been made righteous by faith. "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Gal 3:6)  And this is not produced, maintained, altered, made or marred by (good or bad) works: he is righteous as long as God his righteousness is. So he can never fall out of the covenant of "never forsaken"

Sorry for being so sharp (if I have been) but I must say it because this is what promotes holy living everywhere. When you are always conscious that the Spirit of God dwells in you, that alone means fleeing every appearance of evil.

You needed to see how Paul corrected fornication amongst brethren in Corinth.

[1Corinthians 6:18-20] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Wow! He did it by reminding them of how the Holy Ghost is in them. He reminds them of how that they are redeemed: "ye are bought with a price".

I thought he would be telling them that that partner they had fornication with had 21 demons that are so powerful to kill their own Holy Ghost. And Paul should tell them to come out and be "born again again" and receive the Holy Spirit afresh.

Tell a Christian who still watches pornography that he is bought with a price! Tell the Christian who still tell lies that he is bought with a price!

Let's do a simple arithmetic. What percentage of Christians today know, believe and preach that all of them have the Holy Spirit in them?

OK how many of those who even know this also know, believe and preach that this Holy Spirit dwells in them FOREVER?

Few of the fewest, right?
Does this not explain why there's so much sins in today's church?

Look at it, if a woman wants to dress or live indecently, she's got to say "I'm the owner of my body. I can live my life the way I want it". Have you ever encountered people who say "well, me I've given up on making heaven, since the Holy Spirit has left me because I can't retain Him by living holy"? Now, why do they say this? Because you didn't teach them the truth that the Holy Spirit will NEVER leave them.

Whether taught or disregarded, truth is unchanged! The Holy Spirit is here to stay! You are enslaved to live in righteousness and produce good works. God won't let go of you. The Holy Spirit will stay at His duty post and won't run because of sins. Why? He was sent to help fight sin and so won't retreat for sin's sake! Praise God!