[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]

Simple but great message. Sometimes we think that prayer is about the sophistication of speaking nice and organised words to God. However, I have noticed that my best prayer times have come when I’m open and speaking to God as I would a friend, just bearing out my mind, sometimes switching to my native language. God is our Father and wants us to speak to Him about everything and anything no matter how foolish it sounds,then He’ll flood us with wisdom and peace that passes human understanding.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

This is remarkable because growing up I’ve heard some human psychology teachings on temperaments which though factual, some Christians have used as excuses for their inadequacies. The fruit of the Spirit is our responsibility to nurture, actively and consciously put on if you are going to express them. They won’t happen just because we say we are born again. I actively decide and put on kindness love,mercies,forgiveness even when circumstances don’t feel convenient.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

Hi Vidhya,

I believe God’s healing is being perfected in your uncle’s life. We join our faith we yours to declare that none of these diseases will afflict his body. We speak health unto every part of his bones,blood and flesh. By the stripes of Jesus, he is healed! Amen

[Ukemeobong Michael]

By the stripes of Jesus we are healed. We are delivered from the plagues in this world. As a doctor treating a lot of wonderful patients especially in this Covid-19 plague, I arm myself with this thoughts knowing that fear is the worst plague which gives room for the devil to afflict you. I always speak the words of our Lord Jesus … and NOTHING shall by ANY MEANS (including air,food,water etc) hurt you! (emphasis added by me)Hallelujah.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

This word reminds me of what Apostle John spoke about in 1John 1:1 – That which was from the beginning….which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life. meaning the Word is actually tangible and can be handled or held onto. The more we meditate on the words of prophecy, the more tangible they become as they come to reality. But we have to play part by seizing the word and not letting circumstances make us let go.

[Ukemeobong Michael]

With God, nothing is impossible and He is able to heal,save, and deliver. We declare in the name of Jesus that the hold of sickness and death is destroyed from her body. Her health is restored completely and we receive testimonies of divine healing on her in Jesus name! Amen.

[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