[Ukemeobong Michael]

lovely message! Really important in our time where a lot of godly virtues have been sacrificed for fickle success. We are meant to be a light in this crooked world and stand out as uncompromising believers attracting people to the Gospel through our love and also godly character. Paul says that we are like open book read by all men.2Cor.3:1-3

[Ukemeobong Michael]

This is an important one for me because sometimes one can get so busy at work and when you come home,you meet the children or family who also want your attention. It reminds me that God wants my undivided attention too. Sometimes family prayer is not enough, we also need a private undisturbed prayer time where we can pour our minds out and also hear from God personally.I think this was the source of Jesus’ success in ministry.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Musing on this scripture, one could tend to think that our Lord Jesus is implying that we must all repent and get back to our first love. But thats not exactly what it means, otherwise, we all would remain as baby Christians. God expects us to grow and burn in our love for Him at increasing levels. Thats why Paul talked about forgetting the past and pressing for the mark.However, whenever a believer can adjudge that his passion today has dwindled beyond that of yesterday, then its time to refire. I believe He is saying,”Don’t get burnt out doing the work than actually burning in the spirit for me”.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

An inspiring piece. You know just thinking of that scripture you quoted,in John 1 stirs up something within me. It reminds me of a lot of innovation we’ve made even in this ministry that we didn’t set out thinking we would. You are a true example of this. The word of God is life in us and that life brings civilization/enlightenment/creativity/innovation. Christians are not dummies at all. King David said in Psalms 119 that he had more understanding than his teachers because of God’s law that renews his mind.Thanks for sgaring this Pst Phil.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Its wonderful to know that no matter how difficult it seems, God always provides for every need. He doesn’t require money to sustain us.All we need is trust him.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

I love to think about this. Even in our daily prayers and worship this is manifested. A lot of times I feel quite busy for whatever reasons even to pray but then I stop and spend time in prayers and its as though my body with all its worries and stress is suspended in God’s presence and nothing else seems to matter anymore. The weight is lifted and I feel relieved like a newborn. I think this is part of the reason we collapse because all the weight is taken off and we suddenly see the magnificence of the weight of God’s glory.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Great,great words. It reminds me of the words our Lord Jesus, that unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. When we submit our will to Him, He takes us into deeper and greater opportunities than we could have ever known- those Eureka moments. Glory to God!

[Ukemeobong Michael]

This is very important especially in this day and age. We live in a rapidly changing world where the line between truth and lies(deception) is being blurred. People choose what they like and can ascribe truth to it. For instance, people may decide tomorrow to say that it is ok to get married to your car and it will legislated based on seemingly popular or just influential views. But the bible is our standard and God’s word doesn’t change. Which os why it is dependable. As leaders and God’s children we have to be consistently truthful no matter the consequence. Remember half truth is a lie. As Paul says in 2cor 8:21(AMP)”For we take thought beforehand and aim to be honest and absolutely above suspicion, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.”

[Ukemeobong Michael]

<font size=”4″>WHO IS A DISCIPLE?</font>

“<font size=”4″>Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32</font>

<font size=”4″>Yesterday we introduced the subject of discipleship and we were left with the question, is there a difference between a student and a disciple? If you looked at the discussion, you may see the responses made by Jefferson and then Pastor Phil which were great and I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Jeff and Pst Phil. So I’ll just pick up from there.</font>

<font size=”4″>The word, disciple is gotten from the Latin word discipulus, meaning learner, or follower. In the context of the believer, it would mean one who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, this is beyond just passively following but means actively engaging and practising these teachings until you become like your teacher (Master).</font>

<font size=”4″>While in the University, one of my lecturers would always say that, it is expected of the student on graduation, not just to be proficient in learning but also in character. I love the words of Jesus because it always gives a clear answer if we are open to receive them. In our opening scripture our Lord Jesus Christ, told the Jews what it means to be his disciple. He tells them that his disciple is one who first believes his WORD, then continues in them, then he will know the truth and the truth will make him free. This is powerful! It will be difficult to exhaust the meaning of those words in this discussion. I will simply say that a disciple begins as a student and ends up in his masters image. </font>

<font size=”4″>The journey between student-hood to mastery is lined with liberating truth. This truth will free the student from his/her fears, doubts, unbelief, to become the image which is desired of him by his master. We watch sports and we see many potentially very talented individuals who still hire coaches to train them. Like Paul admonishes in 1 Corinthians 9:25 – that every man that is striving for mastery is temperate (disciplined, self-controlled) in all things. There is no discipleship without the word, discipline. A disciple is one who is disciplined in the teachings and character of his teacher/master.</font>

<font size=”4″>You may have noticed the word master repeatedly used, but I will apply some caution to put this in context as we go on in the discussion. The term must be seen in the context of Jesus’ relationship with his disciples and not the way we use it in the world. </font>

<font size=”4″>This is already getting longer than I thought, so I’ll conclude here.Tomorrow as God wills, we will take a look at discipleship in the context of the new creation. But as usual, I will love to hear your thoughts on this question, Is there any difference between the disciple as used in the gospels (Mathew to John) and the new creation (born again) man? There is no catch, Please share your thoughts.</font>

<font size=”4″>Till we see again, Ciao!</font>

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Just listening to this and its so inspiring. Jesus told his disciples when sending them out to eat whatever is set before them. Paul says, he became everything to everyone if by any means he may win some. Sometimes as christians we may feel under pressure to come out as different,looking very “spiritual”, but if we follow the Holy spirit’s leading we may win more people if we build honest relationships and gain their trust through our “quiet” lifestyle.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Our heart and prayers are with you Vidya and your family. We join our faith to speak restoration of perfect health to your mother’s body, soul and spirit. This will end in praise in Jesus name!

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Always a pleasure

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Amen

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Thank you Jeff for bringing up this remarkable issue in the discussion. I can relate through several experiences on this and I’m sure others here have experienced same. It can be challenging to feel as though you’re abandoned by God in challenging times.However, I have found that it is those circumstances that bring out the best in us.James 1:2-4 tells us to count it all joy when we go through diverse test and trials because the trials of our faith cultivates patience and patience having her perfect work in us makes us perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. In essence trials or difficulties, discipline us to become the best God wants us to be. Even in our worldly education, you don’t get Masters or any degree by waltzing through the school. The tests or exams prove your knowledge to determine if you deserve the certificate. We may not like it initially but it makes us strive to perfection in our disciplines.

Consequently faithfulness is not gotten by confessing to possess or known when the going seems good, but cultivated through our daily challenges like when you don’t feel like praying, studying God’s word, fellowshipping with believers, or even feel offended etc… but you keep at it,holding unto the word of God like David said in Psalms 23, that eventhough he walks through the valley of the shadow of death he will fear no evil because he knows God is with him; then you triumph and grow into new levels of grace because you have proven that God can trust you not to walk by your feelings but by faith. Thats true Christian growth. Fair weather disciples are not true sons but children. God is raising us to be true sons if the kingdom and thats who we are and He will never abandon His own!Hallelujah.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Hello Vidya, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We agree together that the healing hands of Jesus will touch your mom and restore perfect health to her body and soul. In Jesus name! Amen