Christians must be watchful of false teachers that camouflage to exploit people for their selfish gains. Some teachers and teachings that are not consistent with bible are out there, and believers must be watchful not to become their victims. Apostle Paul had a similar warning for Galatians’ church when he stated,
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).
Christian To Stay Away From False Teachers
Christians must reject erratic and misleading teachings that lack bases in the scriptures. An heavenly bound believer must not just believe anything that a teacher presents to him or her without establishing facts. Nothing is more factual than the bible, and it remains the basic operation manual for all Christians. Therefore, all Christians must cross-reference whatever they are taught with the bible; a teaching that lacks basis in the bible must be outrightly rejected!
Meanwhile, it is important that Christians pray and ask for Holy Spirit interpretations over all matters. The Spirit of God will shed light on all subjects, and he will enlighten our minds to understand the truth. Also, the Holy Spirit of God will empower us to comply with the scripture.
Prayer To Be Consistent With God
Dear God, please help me to consistently study bible and listen to leadership of the Holy Spirit. Do not let me be lazy in studying your word. Also, let me prayerfully consider every teaching that is presented to me, and give me grace to reject false teachings. Enable me to accept and celebrate all truth that will liberate me from sin, and make me heavenly bound. Let your word and leadership of the Holy Spirit prosper me now, and always. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
King Jeroboam was a wicked king who championed idolatry in Israel. Jeroboam was not just an idolatry king, but he was a champion of idol worship! Some of his idol worship allowed human sacrifice, which God detested greatly. Jeroboam’s sin was so bad to the extent that bible attached his name with other successors who portrayed similar trait.
God punished King Jeroboam for his evil deed; however that was not all about his case, history also did not forgive him. Jeroboam’s name was echoed throughout the bible for subsequent sin of Israel. Bible mentioned his name several times after he was deceased. Some Jeroboam’s successors that were linked with his evil practices are listed below.
1. King Zechariah
“In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam reigned over Israel in Samaria six months. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin” (2 Kings 15:8-9).
2. King Menahem
“In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi became king over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin” (2 Kings 15:17-18).
3. King Pekahiah
“In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin” (2 Kings 15:23-24).
4. King Pekah
“In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekah the son of Remaliah became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin” (2 Kings 15:27-28).
Leaders To Be Godly And Leave Good Legacy
Christian leaders must endeavor to leave good legacy for their successors. A good Christian must not be wicked. Believers must be careful not to abuse our positions. A leader of any capacity must honor God in his or her capacity – Whether he/she is a captain, group leader, theme leader, mentor, pastor, senator, governor, president, or any other. Each person must consciously lead other people with the fear of God!
Also, each member of a family must be a good example for others to follow. Husband must be a good example; wife must be god-fearing, and siblings must be good examples. Meanwhile, it is understood that humans are fallible; but God requires that we operate in humility and repent from our sins. That is, Christians must repent from our sins and make every necessary amendment whenever we realize our errors. God will increase his goodness in the life of anyone who exercises godly fear in his position and genuinely repents from his sins. Such person will be blessed on earth and also have an opportunity to receive God’s imperishable crown of glory on the last day!
Children of God must understand that it is important to possess teachable spirit and positively respond to God’s corrections over any misdeed. A child of God must not be wicked. The Creator will bless people who demonstrate positive attitude towards his instructions. Meanwhile, the heavenly Father frowns at stubborn children. He will punish a disobedient and wicked person who refuses to turn a new leaf. Also, the fact that history does not forgive bad people must be resonating in our hearts!
Pray To Abstain From Wickedness and Be Positive Influence
Dear God, please give me ability to demonstrate positive attitude as a leader of any capacity. Help me to allow your Holy Spirit to lead me so that I can serve to your satisfactions. Give me a teachable spirit so that I can operate in humility and repent whenever I fall into sin. Empower me to aspire to live in holiness everyday of my life so that I can qualify to receive your imperishable crown of glory in heaven. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
God asked Israelites (his people) to repent from their sins to qualify for his blessings.
God emphasized that holiness is important to him, and it will automatically attract his blessing.
(People who repent from their sins and serve God in holiness will enjoy his benefits).
God said,
“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 1:16-20).
Important Lesson on Repentance of Sin
Repentance matters to God. It opens door of opportunity for Christians to get blessed.
Repentance also saves people from receiving God’s punishments.
In order words, Jehovah is interested to bless his children than to punish them.
Repentance will open God’s doors of blessing that include salvation, protection, and provision.
An exercise of repentance will save a person from incurring penalty of sin – which is eternal damnation of hell fire.
Repentance Must Have Clear Definition
Fact No. 1
A person who chooses to take the proper step of repentance must do so with a contrite mind.
He (or she) mustn’t do so to only satisfy conscience, or someone else.
Repentance must be clearly exercised to meet God’s standard of grace and blessing.
*Do not exercise repentance to appease yourself or anyone else. *Exercise repentance to appease God!
No one should attempt repentance without personal conviction of a wrongdoing.
A repentant sinner must have evaluated his past action and conclude they displeased God.
Fact No. 2
A person who engages in repentance must avoid using general statement.
He (or she) must express his mistakes and genuinely ask God’s forgiveness.
A repentant sinner must mention to God what he is being repented of.
It is affirmative and convincing for a person to spell his mistakes to God, and genuinely ask him to forgive them.
Fact No. 3
It is important that anyone who intends to exercise repentance must follow the proper protocol set by God.
A person asking for forgiveness of his sins must do so by mentioning the name of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ sacrificed his life in exchange for the sins of humanity.
He shed his blood to appease God for our sins.
Hence, no one will be able to receive God’s forgiveness without mentioning the name of Jesus Christ.
No one receives repentance of sin without mentioning the name of Jesus Christ.
It is written:
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).
Jesus Christ offers license for sin cleansing through his blood; forgiveness of sin can only be obtained through the power of his resurrection
A person who exercises repentance through Jesus Christ will be forgiven and be saved.
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 4:14-16 KJV).
He was hanged on the tree, and wore the crown of tore.
Jesus shed his blood till death on the cross and was buried in the grave.
Christ resurrected on the third day and offered his believers salvation and eternal life.
Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we shall receive forgiveness of sins, and thereby qualify for the kingdom of God.
Adverse Effect for Those Who Intend To Invade Repentance
Repentance is not a choice but a must for everyone.
Since no one can claim absolute holiness, it is important that we all confess our sins and repent from them.
A person who refuses to repent from his (or her) sins risks the punishment of eternal damnation in hell fire.
God who is notable for being merciful will have no other option than to exercise harsh punishment of hell on the unrepentant sinners.
Repentance Leads to Salvation
All people – without exception – must repent from his or her sins to be saved.
Have you confessed your sins to the Lord?
Have you repented from your sins and promised God to turn a new leaf?
Have you prayed to have grace needed to live holy and acceptable life before God?
Do not hesitate to take a step of repentance.
Use this opportunity to break free from the bondage of sins, and qualify for God’s eternal benefits on earth and in heaven.
Prayer of Repentance and Ability to Live Holy Life
Dear God, I understand that I am not a perfect person; I am a sinner, and I come humbly before you today to ask for the forgiveness of my sins.
I confess all my past sins. I am sorry for them all, and I ask for your forgiveness.
Please forgive my sins.
Cleanse me from all my unrighteousness and qualify me for your eternal blessings!
I confess your Son Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.
I profess my faith in him, and I obtain my holiness through him.
Please empower me through your Holy Spirit to keep living a pure and acceptable life before you, so that I can inherit your eternal kingdom. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
A Christian who has backslided from faith can be restored by God. This lesson can be illustrated with God’s behavior to the people of Judah (in the bible). People of Judah were God’s children, but they sold themselves to sinful lifestyle. They became corrupted to the extent that God turned his back against them.
However, despite the sinful behavior of people of Judah, God promised to restore them into his true love. The Creator would buy them back from their sinful entrapment.
Jehovah promised to redeem his outcast children and restore them to have mutual relationship with him to enjoy his benefits. God would favor his children as promised,
“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, because I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them aside; for I am the Lord their God, And I will hear them” (Zechariah 10:6 NKJV).
Hope of Restoration for A Backslider
Every Christian is a child of God. Jehovah will redeem, restore, and forgive any of his children that have fallen from faith. That is, he will forgive and restore any Christian who has backslided.
God is loving and forgiving, and he will forgive our sins and bless us if we can turn to him. The ever gracious Lord will show us his loving-kindness and redeem our lands. He will also wipe off our painful memory and replace it with senses of calmness, peace, and joy.
However despite God’s enduring love and mercy, he still warned people not to take him for granted. He expects no one to live in a sin and hope for mercy at the same time. Every sinner must repent from his/her sins and turn to God to receive his mercy and forgiveness.
Consequences Remain For Unrepentant Sinners
Jehovah will punish an unrepentant sinner to the pit of hell fire! Therefore, it is important that everyone repent from his/her sins to appease God and obtain his mercy. We must have a genuine relationship with God to receive his abundant benefits.
God expects honest repentance from us all. The Creator will be proud to endow us with his goodness if we can walk uprightly before him.
Choose to honor God with dignity and serve him well so that you can prosper everyday of your life!
Dear God please teach me how to serve you with honesty. Empower me to yield my complete life to you so that I can prosper. Let me be in your good book to receive your abundant benefits. Also, let your Holy Spirit empower me to faithfully serve you so that I can qualify for your eternal kingdom. Please bless me today, bless me tomorrow, and bless me everyday of my life! For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
Christians to learn good parenting ability from Mary the mother of Jesus Christ.
Mary the mother of Jesus was sensitive to understand the appropriate time to help her Son showcase his talent.
Mary persuaded Jesus to perform his first miracle.
Jesus resisted the courage, but Mary insisted until her Son could perform the miracle.
The dramatic event in discussion happened at Cana of Galilee during a wedding ceremony as the scripture reported,
“And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it” Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.
Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” (John 2:3-10).
Lesson on Good Parenting
Christian parents are encouraged to help their children maximize their potentials.
Parents are to learn from Mary the mother of Jesus who encouraged her son to manifest his divine ability.
No one knew about Jesus’ ability until his mother encouraged him to publicly demonstrate it.
Mary improved the morale of his Son with her persuasive approach.
(There is much tendency Mary had noticed Jesus demonstrating remarkable ability prior to the ceremony at Cana of Galilee, and she was determined to help him fully demonstrate it).
Once Mary encouraged Jesus to perform his first miracle, he was motivated to further demonstrate the ability.
He opened blind eyes, helped lame walk, and resurrected the dead.
Indeed, God deserves all glory for the miracles that Jesus Christ performed; however, Mary deserves some credits for motivating her Son to perform his first miracle.
Prayer of grace to be good Parent
Dear God, please teach me good parenting. Give me enabling grace to motivate other people to maximize their potentials.
Make me a good parent who can encourage his/her children to bring out their virtues.
Give me an ability to properly direct my children to become successful.
I also pray for other Christian parents to receive your enabling grace to motivate their children unto success.
Please do these things and many more. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Christians are expected to demonstrate unwavering faith in God, since it will earn us victory at all times.
Believers to learn from Apostle Paul in the bible, who demonstrated remarkable faith during a difficult time.
A man slumbered to death when Paul was preaching; the situation was horrific, but Paul was confident in God and put the situation under control.
Paul realized that Satan intended to distract him; therefore he paid him no attention, but focused on finishing his sermon.
Paul finished his sermon without distraction, and later took a bold step to demonstrate his spiritual gift to raise the dead person back to life.
The scripture reported,
“Paul went down, fell on him (the dead man), and embracing himsaid, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”
Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.
And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted” (Acts 20:10-12 NKJV).
Lesson on Unwavering Faith
Christians must maintain confidence in God. We must also appreciate our spiritual gifts and demonstrate them boldly.
Christians are God’s anointed children blessed with strength to demonstrate extra ordinary gifts for the purpose of glorifying God, and benefitting people.
Jesus Christ – the Son of God – will bring an end to any world crisis. He has the permanent solution to the various crises that our present world is facing.
People were confused during bible time, but God spoke through Prophet Isaiah that he would send his begotten Son to save the world.
Isaiah prophesied,
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14 NJKV).
Lesson to Learn about the World Crisis
God has commissioned and sent his Son Jesus Christ to save the world from all its turmoil.
The old-time prophecy stated that Christ would be born and government would be on his shoulder to relieve the world of its burdens (Isaiah 9).
The bible also stated that God’s only begotten Son would earn his followers the gift of eternal life.
It is written,
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon His Kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:5-7 KJ21)
That is, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ open the door of God’s eternal life for believers.
Anyone who calls on the name of Jesus Christ and believe in him will have eternal life.
It is written,
“…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.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)
Hence, anyone who confesses Jesus Christ as his (or her) personal Lord and Savior will inherit eternal life in heaven.
Prayer to be saved from Earthly Crisis and Make Heaven
Dear God, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son sent to save the world from all its crisis.
Through Jesus Christ, I will receive the gift of eternal life.
Therefore, I confess my faith in Jesus Christ – your Son!
I believe he died for my sins, and resurrected to give me eternal life.
Please forgive my sins and write my name in the book of life.
Please ever keep my feet firm within your gate!
For in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord I pray. Amen.
The term Daughters of Zion was used in multiple places in the bible; it symbolizes the beauty and pride of Israel.
The term is used whenever God wanted to honor his children.
However due to the sin of Israelites, God downplayed the importance of “Daughters of Zion.”
He turned it to an entity that was worthy of his severe punishment.
One of the negative connotation attached to Daughter of Zion is as stated,
“Moreover the Lord says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton eyes, Walking and mincing asthey go, Making a jingling with their feet, Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, And the Lord will uncover their secret parts” (Isaiah 3:16-17).
Lesson on Daughters of Zion
Christians are Daughters of Zion; we the Lord’s apple eyes, and we must make God proud in our lives.
The Creator will go any extent to defend his interest in our lives if we can make him proud.
Jehovah will not bless anyone who persists in sin, since he is just and faithful.
The Creator requires his children to represent him well so that he can bless them.
For believers to enjoy God’s optimum blessing and protection of God, we must comply with his laws.
Holiness is God’s standard, and all his children are required to be holy in order to be in good term with him.
Prayer of Grace to be Worthy in His Presence
Dear God, I understand that sin can create a barrier between us; therefore, I am determined to live holy life before you so that you can be proud of me.
Please help me to work consistently with the bible, so that you can bless me!
Help me to represent you well on earth so that the term Daughter of Zion can suit me well to receive your blessing in this life, and in heaven also.
Christianity is God’s ordained religion that gives hope and salvation to people.
The religion promotes every good thing that can benefit humanity.
However, the religion also attracts the attention of some enemies.
Satan and his hosts often raise their ugly heads to harass and persecute people who practice Christianity – The Christians.
Christianity can expose its observers to some tough circumstances – Meanwhile the circumstances will ultimately work for believers’ benefits.
Paul shared his personal experience of Christianity and said,
“… Are they Hebrews? So amI. Are they Israelites? So amI. Are they the seed of Abraham? So amI. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I ammore: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
From the Jews five times I received forty stripesminus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; injourneys often, inperils of waters, inperils of robbers,
Inperils of my owncountrymen, inperils of the Gentiles, inperils in the city, inperils in the wilderness, inperils in the sea, inperils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:22-27).
Lesson on Persecution and Trials
Christians will experience trials and temptations on earth, but God will help us overcome them all.
Believers will face persecutions from people that oppose our faith in God.
The enemies will seek for opportunities, and also raise false accusations against the saints.
Believers must not be afraid of our challenging moments because Jesus Christ has promised to help us overcome.
Christ promised victory for his saints as said,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Christians Are Not The Losers
Satan will try whatever he can in an attempt to break our confidence in God.
His efforts may include an attack on our testimonies; he may instigate people to abuse us, and he may aim at hurting us emotionally.
Meanwhile, our steadfastness in Jesus Christ is very important. Jehovah will not allow our tears to go unaccounted for.
He will reward our endurance, and he will decorate our lives with honor. Steadfast Christians will receive God’s good rewards on earth, and in heaven.
Christ’s affirmative statement of victory must be resounding in every Christian’s mind: Trials, temptations, and persecutions would remain temporal in our lives.
False teachers are out there. As it applies to all Christians, Apostle Paul warned Christians at Corinth to be careful of heresy (The teachings that lack bases in the word of God).
Paul explained,
“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or ifyou receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
Caution Against False Teachers and Teachings
Every child of God must be careful of false teachers.
Be careful not to be deceived with popular teaching that are contradictory to the bible.
(False teachings are our there. They have become rampant in our time).
Each believer is required to evaluate any teaching that he (or she) receives.
We must use bible to evaluate our teachers and their teachings.
