PERSONAL LEADERSHIP PART 2

 PERSONAL LEADERSHIP - PART 2

Earlier this week, we started out on looking at the concept of Personal Leadership. We discovered that Personal leadership is the foundation on which all other Leadership forms are built. You should be able to lead yourself personally, before you can lead others. Today, we will look at some traits a successful personal leadership personnel should have and ways to lead oneself personally

💝 Knowledge and relationship with God - We have touched on this in the introductory statement but just to build on the aforementioned. No leader can build a lasting relationship stature just based on a derivative of the true model (God). God is the paragon to which we draw knowledge from, and a relationship with God helps us know which parts of our lives are dormant and needs to be nurtured. Psalm 24:1 says "The earth is the lord and its fullness thereof..." so all authority comes from God. And then we see how to effectively manage earthly resources and to effectively manage humans from God's authority.

💝 Developing your physical and emotional health - Good physical health is of great importance to leaders, as we all require physical strength and stamina to carry out the tasks of leadership. From 1 Samuel 18:11. We can see the dangers of not having memorial intelligence as a leader, we could see how saul tried to pin David down as he was serving in his house. And even when he tried to kill his own son in 1 Samuel 20:33. Rehoboam(Solomon's son), another example, lost his reign over Israel because of poor emotional intelligence (2 Kings 12). The importance of emotional intelligence in Personal leadership cannot be overemphasized.

According to Daniel goleman (1999), emotional intelligence refers to "the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships".

There are different kind of people we will meet and we cannot control what they will do to us, we can only control the way we will react to their actions towards us, that is why emotional intelligence is very powerful and needs to be harnessed. As Christians, the Holy Spirit makes it easier when we engage him.

💝 Developing Character and competence - Personal leadership is a smarter kind of personal growth and path of personal excellence.

Jay writes "As a leader, you must learn to lead yourself to stay effective. When you practice personal leadership, you use every ounce of your potential with inspiration instead of perspiration, synergy instead of sacrifice, wisdom instead of work".

Leadership is an inside-out concept. It flows from character to conduct. The bible in Proverbs 23:7 says "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he..." therefore it is a direct representation of who he is. Matthew 12:34 also says that "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks..." God tells Samuel When he was to appoint David as the new leader that "...man looks at the outward, but God the inward..." (1 Sam 16). Two key attributes that the lord looks for in the hearts of leaders, are humility and the fear of God.

Humility enables the leader to serve and be teachable in varying circumstances while the fear of God makes him to obey God's commandments and exhibit integrity that enables building of trust in relationships.

I therefore end on this verse of the scriptures Proverbs 4:18(TPT) ;  But the lovers of God walk on the highway of light, and their way shines brighter and brighter until they bring forth the perfect day.

It gets better!!!

THE IMPACT TEAM

Building men and women of Excellence...

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PERSONAL LEADERSHIP PART 1

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP PART 1

What is Personal Leadership?

Ultimately, personal leadership means knowing thyself. And a perfect way to know ourselves is to know our creator, which is God. Every Journey of leadership is hinged on knowing oneself absolutely.

This aspect of leadership is often the most underrated, yet has been a deciding factor in the demise or success of a leader. As always our paragon remains Jesus Christ and everything we need for a successful personal leadership is hinged on the two greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-40. "And you shall love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the first commandment and the second is like it, you shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these"

Our attention for this week is the statement "You shall love your neighbour *AS YOURSELF* " that is, it is only to the measure that you love yourself that you can be able to love another person(our neighbours). Likewise it is also in LEADERSHIP. For one cannot lead others efficiently and effectively if he doesn't know how to lead himself efficiently and effectively.

Joel Farcht defines personal leadership as follows " Personal leadership is the self confident ability to crystallize your thinking and establish an exact direction for your own life, to commit yourself to moving in that direction, and then to take determined action to acquire, accomplish, or become whatever you identify as the ultimate goal in your life"

Therefore, it all boils down to you and the choices you decide to make.

God asked us to have dominion over physical things, not our fellow humans. Our action to our fellow humans is service. We can also find that leadership  starts from the heart. A leader who does not know or have a relationship with God, will eventually fail.

Successful personal leadership development starts from and ends with knowing, obeying and following God.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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THE PURPOSE OF MAN PART 2

THE PURPOSE OF MAN PART 2

Earlier this week, we began a series on The Purpose of Man. We were made to understand that just as the Lord created the heavens and the earth, the satellite bodies, the sun and the moon, and He gave each of them work to do or purpose to fulfil; in such manner, He has given man Purpose to fulfil also. We will be going further into the discourse.

In Genesis 1:26, we see a manufacturer after having described his product, He went right into the purpose of the product. The manufacturer here is God and the product is man. The Bible says in Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and LET THEM HAVE DOMINION over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, AND OVER ALL THE EARTH, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth". The first act was an act of creation and the second was to give the creation a purpose.

"Let them have Dominion! yes that is it". That's the answer. DOMINION! That's what you and I and all mankind were created for. So God after creating everything He needed to create i.e fish, water, animals, trees etc; He said now, I need someone who can manage these things someone who can control these things I have created. And then he created Man and gave him dominion over all his creation. This is man's Purpose.

In the above verse is tucked something that most people tend to overlook. It says "AND OVER ALL THE EARTH". That earth there means the cosmos. That is everything pertaining to the earth. The things on the earth, the territories of the Earth, the systems of the earth and so on. What we are saying invariably is that every man on earth was created to dominate in a particular sphere of life

You should note that Adam the first man created was tasked with the responsibility of taking care of, managing and governing the affairs of the garden of Eden. The late Myles Munroe said the primary Purpose God created man was for management Gen1:8,15. You see Adam was not created to take care of the whole Earth. He was apportioned a part of the Earth which was Eden. He was given authority over that territory. As we also are, we were not created to do everything. You were not created to be everywhere. As a matter of fact, no man can do everything. God is the only one with that power. God created you with specific abilities and potentials which are perfectly tailored to help you gain dominion over a particular sphere of life that is your Eden. 

Your ability to find this sphere where you are meant to dominate will go a long way in determining if you will be able to fulfill your God-given purpose and invariably your destiny or not. Now your own Eden might be the music industry. God has given you a sonorous voice. People stand enthralled when you sing; their hearts are moved just listening to the lyrics of your songs. This clearly shows that you have been called to exercise Kingdom Dominion in the music industry. And so it is for other spheres of Life; Sports, Politics, Educational systems, Entertainment world, Financial industry, The Military, The Media, Fashion industry etc. God has created people and engraced them with potentials to exercise Kingdom Dominion in every facet of Life. Find your Eden. Be known for something. Don't be a "jack of all trades, master of none" type of person. Every great man or woman is known for something. There has to be a particular area you are very good at; that's your shining spot. Every outstanding man today is known for a particular thing; be it Steve Jobs or Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg or Muhammad Ali, Don Moen or Reinhard Bonnke, Nelson Mandela or Mother Theresa. These men and women found out their Eden and decided to chase after fulfilling what Purpose was for them, hence they became great.

When You know your purpose, you will find your true meaning.

In your purpose, you discover yourself.

In your purpose, you find rest for your soul.

When you come to terms with this truth, you will be able to answer these five questions of Life:

Where am I from? (your origin)

Who am I? (your Identity)

Why am I here? (your purpose)

What can I do? (your potential)

Where am I going? (your destiny) 

In these lie the true meaning of life.

Shalom 💕.

Thank you. 

The Impact Team

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THE PURPOSE OF MAN - PART 1

 THE PURPOSE OF MAN - PART 1

Man has never been satisfied. There has always been this longing, this desire and this insatiable hunger in his soul. He has always asked that question whose answer has proven elusive. The question "WHY?"

Why am I here? what is the essence of life? There certainly is more to just living for 50 or 70 years and marrying, giving birth to children, eating and sleeping. In short it has been a search for the true meaning and purpose of life

In a bid to solve this million-dollar question, man has resorted to religion, he has resorted to mystics and medieval traditions and animism. What is the result? further confusion. You must have heard phrases like "connect to the universe or reach out to your inside". All bunch of intelligent nonsense that leaves the devotee much more confused than before .

You wouldn't be surprised to see people with eyes closed, legs crossed and arms folded practicing meditation, yoga stretches and some even take long vacation in thick forests in a bid to dig down into the innermost recess of their souls just to find the answer to the true essence of Life. No wonder the Bible in Ecclesiastes 10:15 says "The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city."

But it wouldn't surprise you to know that what we are looking for in Sokoto (a northern state in Nigeria) is actually in the pocket of our sokoto (Yoruba word for men's trousers). It all started in the beginning when God created man. Gen 1:1 tells us that "in the beginning God created the heaven and the Earth". So when we look at our vast universe, we know that it was all created by God. But what we should also know is that our God is a God of purpose. He doesn't do things just for fun, and his word shows us that everything he created was created for and with purpose.

Take for instance, the sun and the moon, the Bible clearly states that the sun was created to provide light during the day while the moon was created to provide light during the night (Gen 1:16) They were created for a purpose. Consider the stars also, most people have spent hours just staring at the stars and admiring their beauty and splendor. But they were not just created for aesthetic purposes alone Gen 1:14 tells us that they were created for signs, seasons, days and years. You know some sailors in ancient times even use the stars to navigate and find their way home. They were created for a purpose. 

What about the animals, the fishes, birds,the insects, the grasses, the trees, the microscopic organisms, even the air all for a purpose. I think if we were to start listing their purposes we will all be here all day. They all have a specific purpose and function.

Now wouldn't it be strange if God who in HIS eternal wisdom created these things with definite purpose and functions, then decides to create Man and says "well let them just live, you know eat, drink, sleep, probably die at a good old age and then we will see what happens". I am sure that doesn't sound like the God we have been introduced to from Gen1:1 – 25

If He (ELOHIM) could create all other creatures both animate and inanimate with definite purpose then it is logical to say that He created man with a purpose as well. You are not created to only survive and then die, but you are created to serve a purpose and live.What this means is that anyone that serves purpose always lives, though may be dead. Take for example; our saviour Jesus Christ, Paul the apostle, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela etc they all served purpose and still live though are dead. Their works still live on and will still continue to speak generations to come. This is what happens when a man seeks out his Purpose. 

Then comes the zillion dollar question

What then is the purpose for man's creation?

As it was said earlier, "what we go to look for in Sokoto is in the pocket of our sokoto".

Gen 1:26 is the first instance of man being mentioned in the Bible. Here we see the Triune God saying "let us make man in our own image after our likeness". This was the only instance when something or someone rather was created in God's image. This will boost your self-esteem. Meaning you and God look alike! Like you resemble God! Isn't that wonderful. This God that made all you can see today and He calls you his carbon copy. Hence, when someone tells you "you look ugly" or "you look like an ape or monkey", you don't have to feel bad or sad because if he knew the scriptures, he would not have said that. The Bible says in Psalms 139:14  "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works". You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Hallelujah!!!

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Impact Team

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER PART 5

Happy weekend to you all. Today, we will continue on our series "The Christian Giver". I believe we have all been blessed so greatly. We must know that sound knowledge and understanding of a thing whether a principle or a way of life is necessary to reap outstanding results in it. We will further consider the biblical proofs of Christian Giving today and look at some enemies to our giving.

Biblical proofs of Giving

5. Abraham and the High priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14, Hebrews 7:1-3)

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace. 

In this scripture, we see as the man Abraham gave unto the High priest of God who in turn blessed Him. Abraham recognized the place of giving not only to God but also unto His prophets, hence he did and received the profits.

Matthew 10:41; He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

6. King Solomon gave unto the Lord 1Kings 3:1-13

From the Bible, one of the men who walked with God in the place of Giving was King Solomon and for this He became one of the greatest kings in history.

The Bible records in 1 Kings 3 that Solomon offered unto the Lord a thousand burnt offerings. When we look at the life of Solomon, we see a man sold out to giving. Why could He do this? In verse 3 of the scripture; "and Solomon loved the LORD". Here, we see how it was possible for Him to give an acceptable sacrifice unto God because it was done in love. In the latter part of the scripture, we see how God gave him a blank cheque and how He got more than He asked. When we give as a lifestyle, we are bound to enjoy blessings as a way of life.

ENEMIES OF OUR GIVING

Now that we have understood what it takes to live a Giving life and we have looked at Biblical examples of Giving. Let's now look into what things that hinder our giving. We should know by now that not every gift is acceptable by God. Cain gave an offering in Genesis 4 but God had no respect to His offering. 

Philippians 4:18; But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

There is a way we give that causes the Heavens to turn in our direction and there is a way that shuts heavens over us.

1. Lack of understanding and knowledge:

The scripture says in Hosea 4:6 "My people perish for lack of knowledge". A wise man also once said that if the understanding of a thing is not known, the abuse is inevitable". If we all can have a deep understanding of Giving, then giving to God will not be something that is too difficult for us to do. We need to understand what giving is and why we are encouraged to give to God and also to His people.

2. Sin:

Proverbs 15:8; The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight". The sacrifice of a sinner is an abomination before God. God will not accept the sacrifice of a sinner and that is why we must be willing and ready to love God wholeheartedly and live a life that is pleasing to him. See Acts 5 :1-11; the story of Ananias and Sapphira.

3. Stinginess:

A lot of christians are stingy, they care too much about themselves that they don't even remember God or others. They find it hard to release that which they have, the same with Ananias and Sapphira his wife. When you squeeze or hold tight your hands, nothing can come in return but when you open your hands then you will receive something as well. Give and it shall be given unto you, this is what the Bible says.

4. Pride:

Many of us do not give to God or to others in need of help because we feel that where we are is by our power or might. Some christians believe that being successful is because they are hardworking and disciplined so they expect others to do the same. May I tell you that there are lots of people out there that are more hardworking and disciplined than you are. We must understand that if God did not build the house, the labourers labour in vain. It is God that crowns your labour with success.

It takes humility to give to God and others. Know that God will always look down on the proud but engrace the humble.

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE IMPACT TEAM

Building men and women of quality Excellence...

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 4

It is the last day of the week and the fourth message of the series. We thank God for thus far has He brought us. Amen. Furthermore on the topic, "Christian Giving"; today, we will go more into studying biblical proofs of Giving. We must understand that in the kingdom of God, we have principles which men who have seen and walked with God followed during their time and we cannot but look into their lives to gain knowledge. Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us".

But before we look into this, let us conclude on the mysteries of Giving.

THE MYSTERIES OF GIVING

8. Giving guarantees true peace from God:

If there is any way to enjoy peace financially, then it is through giving. We saw in Job chapter 1, that the man Job was the greatest in all of the East; but the secret of Job was not that he was a good business man or that he possessed good investments. Job 29:1-25; a life sold out to service unto others was the secret of the man Job. He gave both unto God and to humanity, hence he never lacked.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you". One way by which we seek the kingdom of God is through possessing a heart of giving. This formula works anywhere and everywhere. Consider the man, King Solomon (1Kings 3). Those other things men are dying to get includes Peace, whether financially, over your health, over your family. It's peace all-round.

9.Giving is from where you are:

This is not understood by many. This is a very important mystery in Giving. God is not asking you to bring that which is not within your reach nor in your hands. God will not ask you what He has not first provided you with. He provided Abraham with Isaac, He asked him to offer. He provided the ram also and asked for it.  In Genesis 4, we saw there that both Abel.and Cain brought out of their animals and crops respectively, an offering unto the Lord. The Bible makes us understand that it is God who gives bread unto the water and seeds to the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10). This is the God we serve, and He has not changed. His words then still hold. He wants us to give to Him as He has given unto us. 

One other thing is this, you are not to give based on your belief of where you are going to. So many say words like when I have this, I will give it. But what God wants from you, is what you have now. You may be wondering I have nothing now, look carefully around. There is something. He is not a task master, He doesn't ask what He will not have first given unto you. Our problem which is not really a problem if we know, is that we do not look around us for these things. Is it someone who cannot acknowledge the good hands of the Lord as evident in his life that will be able to look around to see what God is asking Him to offer.

However, we must know; now that you understand that Giving is right where you are. It does not mean you should bring to God that which costs you nothing or is insignificant. King David in 2 Samuel 24:24 paraphrased "And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing". If it must be given unto God, then it must be worthy of Him to whom it is given.

Biblical Proofs of the Christian Giving

1.The widow of Zarephat gave to the prophet (1kings 17:7-16).

There is something we need to take note of in this story, Elijah went to the woman based on the instructions from God, this implies that God recognized this woman as a giver. There were lots of widow in Zarephat during that period but then that particular woman was singled out among others, God had the insurance that she would feed the man of God and He could boldly say unto the prophet "Arise and get there to Zarephat". When Elijah got to her place, he told her what he wanted, the woman explained the issue but then she still chose to give to a prophet she has never met and you know what happened, she became blessed. We see this woman did not have plenty but out of what was considered little, she gave unto the Lord. The Bible recorded that all through the famine season, she kept on having enough.When you do God's own first, he will attend to all your needs

2. Job gave to the needy (Job 29:12)

Right from verse 1, we saw how Job was a giving son of God. We were made to understand that he would even offer offerings for his sons and daughters unto God. The Bible tells us that He was the greatest man in the East. This was possible because he had access to the secrets of security Heaven's attention on his finances. 

3. The wife of Nabal Abigail gave to David. (1 Samuel 25).

Abigail was able to save her household from destruction through giving, and we saw how she was honoured for this. She became one of King David's wife after the death of her husband, Nabal. This she attained through giving. Nabal and his household were to be destroyed because he declined to offer anything to David but we see as the Giving nature of Abigail saved lives.

4. Abel and Cain (Genesis 4)

The story of Abel and Cain were in fact the first in the course of Giving. In this scripture, we see how through Giving, one was accepted by God and God had no respect to the other's; this brought strife and envy on one which led him to kill the other brother and inherit a curse upon his head. Hence, we see, it is not just "giving" that matters but Giving what is appropriate; Giving the right thing and in the right way.

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE IMPACT TEAM

Building men and women of quality Excellence...

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 3

Together, we have been considering since the beginning of the week, a message on Christians as givers. I believe we have so much being blessed. If you have not been following the series, pls you can read previous articles on our blog site and Facebook page. God bless you.

In the third part of this week's message, we shall be rounding off the mysteries and benefits in Giving. 

THE MYSTERIES OF GIVING

5. Giving as a Covenant:

From God's word, we understand that Giving is in fact a covenant practice. Through Abraham's giving, he entered into the covenant of trans-generational blessings. Genesis 22:16-17; "And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies". Also, through Noah's offering, God entered into a covenant that He will for no reason destroy the earth with flood (Genesis 8:20-22). 

Also, in the book of 1Kings 3, we see how king Solomon entered into a covenant of prosperity. And the Bible recorded that there was none like king Solomon among the kings. This only came about because of his offering in verse 3 and 4. 1Kings 3:3-4 "And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statues of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar". God came down unto him by reason of his giving and made a covenant with him. 

When we give as God desires, we enter into a covenant. As we know our God is a covenant keeping God; as long as you are faithfully doing your part, God is committed to doing His own part. Psalm 89:34 "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips".

6. Giving as a mystery:

Giving as seen in the scriptures is one of many mysteries Christ unveiled to us through his ministry here on Earth. How can one explain the scripture in Proverbs 11:24; "There is he that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is he that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty". 

Mysteries are the acts and ways of God that can not be understood by the natural man

In that verse above; as a certain one was scattering, he was yet increasing while as another was holding much to himself, he continued in lack and want. Looking from the carnal man's point of view, you will naturally expect He who holds to himself to have much more at the end but that is not the case here. It is he who lendeth out, he who gives that gets the increase. It is not surprising how our Fathers of old in the scriptures received the blessings of God. Abraham was a giver, so was Isaac his son. Job was a die-hard giver, hence the blessings on their lives. 

This is though a mystery but as children of God, God reveals them to us. For him who scatters, something leaves him whether to another person or to any other thing in particular and he has an empty hand or more room to receive more blessings but to him who withholds much, he continues to accumulate to the extent that he is not able to receive and then all he has starts to drop out of his hands. When we understand that the principle of giving does not answer to your knowledge of Mathematics, this will also help us know that you cannot expect to see continually the blessings of God if you keep taking all to yourself unlike what science will tell you. In the same vein, God is the one who is to bless your seeds; so when it appears that the fruits are delayed, it is not a time to give up the race but to continue with the seeds because at the end, though it may tarry, it will yet speak.

Why is it also best to trust God whom we give unto than the seeds? This is because the seeds themselves can not turn into fruits; God the Father determines this. Hence, patience and obedience in order to reap the fruits is needed on our part. Remember always that God is the one that receives your giving and He is the one to bless that giving. You must continue to give whether the results yield as fast as you expect.

7. Giving as a way to provoke the hands of God:

We must understand that God is Committed to giving us what we desire when we give Him what He desires. Giving opens the heavens for anyone who does it genuinely. Because Giving provokes the hands of God, it therefore facilitates speedy answers to our prayers. We talked about blessings available in Giving. One of these is speedy answers to our prayers. The Bible makes us to know that God loves a cheerful giver (2Corinthians 9:7). Thus, if you give with your heart joyfully and God loves you, is there anything that you will ask Him that He will not do?

There are many instances from scriptures when men provoked the hands of God to bless them through Giving. Abraham in Genesis 22, Isaac in Genesis 26, Noah in Genesis 8, 

Malachi 3:10; God said "prove me now". NLT version says "test me now". The Heavens will always pour out rain upon the grounds of a giver but He who doesn't give shall be cursed (Proverbs 11:25)

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE IMPACT TEAM

Building men and women of quality Excellence...

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 2

Earlier this week, we started out by looking at the life of a Christian as a giver. We have been made to understand that as Christians, we are called to live the life of givers. It is a proof that we belong to God and Jesus Christ is our great teacher on this. He was a perfect example of laying down for the cause of others. Today, we will learn more. (Pls, if you have not seen the previous articles, check both blog site and Facebook for the message. God bless).

THE MYSTERIES OF GIVING

3. Giving procures Divine blessings: 

The Bible in  Proverbs 10:22 "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it". There is a blessing that a man receives that is without pain and suffering. Such blessings can only come from doing the will of God. This was the order of blessings God gave to our Father Abraham by the reason of his obedience.

Genesis 24:1; "And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things".

The reason for this is in Genesis 12 from verse 1paraphrased; "when God told Abraham to get out of his country to a place He would show him". And this, Abraham did as instructed. But not until Abraham gave, did he receive the validation of these blessings (Genesis 22). Reading that scripture; Again God appeared unto Abraham after He had given up his only son Isaac and then God placed a seal of Generational blessings upon Him and it still speaks till today.

If we do not obey God's word concerning Giving, then we cannot enjoy all the available blessings. Acts 20:35; "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive".

Proverbs 11:24; "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty".

There is a blessing in Giving. We should also know that the level of our giving determines our returns (Luke 6:38, 2Corinthians 9:6) "...he that soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully". Yes, it is true your giving will result into blessings; but still these blessings will be determined by how much is given.

Proverbs 3:9-10 "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine".

The scripture didn't just say honour with your substance and all increase; He gave a qualifying attribute to the seed - the first fruits. Giving "any how" or "any way" will result only into any how or any way blessings .

4. Giving not only procures blessings; it also secures the blessings: 

Let's look at the scripture in Genesis 8:22 "Whilst the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest time, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease". We must understand that our giving is like sowing a seed. And after a farmer has sown, he is entitled to reap the profits. If such farmer wants to see the desired results, He must not only plant but must again and again go to water the seeds, providing them with optimum conditions for growth. If you want to keep the blessings of God on your life as a person, the way to this is Giving. The only true security for the blessings of God is also Giving. Giving will not only bring about these blessings, but through it, the blessings can be sustained and preserved.

Malachi 3:10-11;

Vs 11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts".

After God had said in verse 10, that He will bring His blessings upon us when we give. He also says in verse 11, He will rebuke the devourer; meaning, any thing that will want to stop your harvest, He will take away. We must understand that when we sow, there are bound to be weeds and other things like harsh weather - all these which are harmful to the seeds sown. But through our giving again and again, God says these things will not be able to devour our blessings.

Giving is a vital way to securing the blessings we have received of God.

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE IMPACT TEAM

Building men and women of Excellence...

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER

Happy New month Family

Hallelujah...we thank God for all He did for us in the month of April. We are so assured that He will do much more in this new month of May. Amen

This week we shall be considering the life of a Christian as a giver. From scriptures, we understand that as Christians, we are meant to live as Christ (we are Christ-like). Living as Christ means we do everything that He says we should do from His word. It means following after Christ, every detail of His while here on earth. Christ taught us so many principles for us to live a worthy life; His kind of life here on Earth. One of such is the principle of GIVING.

Looking at this scriptural reference in Matthew 25:42-45;  42- For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

From these verses above, we see how Christ wants us to live our lives as it pertains to Giving, whether giving in His house - the church or to others around us. However, today, so many interpretations have been given to the word "Giving"  many of which are not biblical; even in the body of Christ and when we follow after these false principles or teachings, we only rob ourselves of all that Giving procures as blessings for us.

The word of God is given for every man's profiting. 2Timothy 3:16;"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"

But, if we are to profit by the word we need understanding. Our depth of understanding determines the extent of our profiting; and in the kingdom of God to which we belong, there are many mysteries to be understood. As mysteries, they cannot be understood by just anybody.  

Matthew 13:1; "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given".

We will be looking at some of these mysteries in this week's teaching.

THE MYSTERIES IN GIVING

1. Giving is the Father's will: 

We must understand that as believers, we have been called to a Life of Giving. God, the creator of all even showed this to us. John 3:16 "For God so loved the word that He gave...". Giving is God's will. Matthew 25: 35-45 Jesus was teaching as His custom often was. He gave the picture of who His sheep are or betterstill the life His sheep should live in the world. So, here we see that Christ wants us as givers. It is his desire that we give to others around us as we do unto Him. Christ laid down his life for us and expects that we also do the same. 

Philippians 4:14-19;

14:"Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".

Verse 19 is the verse we all funnily memorise and make our prayer points. But there was a reason for that blessing that came upon the Philippian church and this is in verse 15. In Apostle Paul's message; these people were givers like no other, hence, the reason for the blessings. Verse 18 sheds another light..the latter part says "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God".

We must also understand that there is a "giving" in the way of the Father and there is a "giving" in the way of the world. When we give for our own interests, we are not doing the will of God. By so doing, we cannot enjoy God's blessings because we have not done it the Father's way.

2. Giving as an instruction from God : Apart from being the will of God for us as God's own sons and daughters. He instructs us even today to give, whether we are giving for the advancement of His kingdom or giving to the needy. Luke 6:38 "Give it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same treasure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again".

Jesus was again here giving some life instructions to the multitude that were with him (beginning from verse 20).

We have seen from scriptures many instances where God instructs men to make offerings unto Him. He told Abraham to offer his son (Genesis 22:2) . He told Moses together with the children of Israel to rear an altar. Exodus 20:24 "An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee".

Cain and Abel gave unto the Lord in Genesis 4. Verse 4 says "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering". We know about the story of Cain and Abel; but they did not just give. It was in response to an instruction from God. Exodus 22:29; Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

God is still much instructing us today from His word concerning giving. One of such mysteries is the mystery of Tithing (giving 10% of your income)

Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts; if I will not open unto you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it".

We must also note that the instruction for giving may not always come directly from God. If we agree God speaks through men to bless us, then we can as well agree that God can give an instruction for our giving through men also.1Kings 17:7-16 "the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephat" (You can read the story for better understanding). God had told the prophet Elijah that He had directed someone to attend to him and we saw how the widow did all she was instructed.

Proverbs 4:13 "Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life".

For every instruction wee receive from God, Obedience is needed, both prompt and complete obedience.

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE IMPACT TEAM

Building men and women of Excellence...

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PARENTING : A FORM OF LEADERSHIP

 PARENTING : A FORM OF LEADERSHIP

I welcome everyone of us into this Leadership week. I believe so far we have been blessed by our previous articles on Leadership. Glory to God. 

In our previous articles, we have been made to understand that Leaders can be born and can be made. There are Leadership traits and character that must be either learned or acquired; but we should still not disregard the fact that there are some innate (natural) Leadership abilities and skills. However, one may still have to build more on them; this is why some say Leaders are made and not born. To quote from an article "30% of Leadership is genetics, while the other 70% is learned".

This week we will be talking about one of the most important form of leadership and to some it is a difficult role to fit in; but this should however not be so. As a way of introduction, this form of Leadership is very important because this is where Leaders stem from and where other forms of Leadership can also be cultivated. This place is the "Home".

We must understand that our leadership journey starts from the home and then affects the world. When God made the first man and gave him leadership roles, He put him in the home to exercise this ability. He gave him the animals, the plants, and everything in the garden of Eden, together with the Divine mandate to have Dominion over (Genesis 1:28-30; 2:19). This was the first Leadership and from which every other form of Leadership that man could ever attain came into being. 

We have been taught on how man was born a leader. We can safely say, every man has in him the nature of leadership; but not every man becomes a leader. This is because the process of Leadership is intentional(hence a person cannot just rely on his natural abilities alone for him to become a leader). The same dominion given to the first man was given by God to everyone of us excluding none to take dominion of the earth; and since it is a general knowledge that every human being on Earth came from a home, the home plays an important role in your leadership journey. 

Now let us look at the concept of Leadership in the home. In the home, as a parent, you are the head of the home but it is so unfortunate that most parents do not know their role as the head of the home. Why?  they are ignorant of this subject of Leadership. The father being the head does not know that this means he is responsible for what obtains in the home either as it affects him or affects the other members of the home. He is ignorant of His duties as the first leader of the home, hence we cannot expect from such a person but the display of followership. This is why in some homes today, some men have lost the right to speak as the head; they now follow whatever it is their children say. And even if they do talk, they are quickly reminded of their place. This would not be so, but for the ignorance of the subject of leaderyship.

In some homes likewise, this Leadership has shifted from a responsibility to an entitlement; and these parents abuse their role as leaders. The same way, everything rises and falls under Leadership in other forms of Leadership, in the same vein, this can be said about Parenting too. 

Many have turn their role in the home as an entitlement not a responsibility and this in turn affect their wards. It is no new saying, that every thing a person is in the society today, he has either consciously or subconsciously picked from the home. This is how important Leadership is in the home. Leadership is Influence. As a Father, you do not want to be the reason, your child fails in his duty as a political leader or a spiritual leader, because it goes on to affect every future responsibility of that child.

For an instance, in a home where the father instructs and for one reason or the other, this instruction is not taken by the child; that child sees nothing wrong in him disobeying the Father (either because the Father does not know his Leadership role or he is incapacitated to fulfilling them effectively), you can expect such a child when he is in the position of command to be willing enough to take advice from his followers.

Another place, the role of Parenting leadership is misunderstood is this; as the head of the home, the only way you can influence your family positively is by being an Example. This brings us to Parenting as an Exemplary Leadership.

The Bible commands in Proverbs 22:6 "that parents are to train their children in the way of the Lord". Note the word "train". This word mean different things to different people. Some it means the use of sword, spear and harmful punishment strategies on their wards. But when it comes to training, is that really the essence? Training here means showing example for others to follow. From these two explanations above; which do you think will produce the effect of raising responsible and well behaved children - the way of manipulation through beating him or infleuencing that child by showing him example of what to do.

In the words of MuhatmaGandhi, "there is no school equal to a decent home and there is no teacher equal to a virtuous parents". This statement shows clearly that our Leadership journey starts form the home, not the street nor the school.

TO BE CONTINUED...

                            The Impact Team

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THE CHARACTER OF EXCELLENCE

 THE CHARACTER OF EXCELLENCE

Excellence is a word we all are quite familiar with. Excellence means superior in kind or degree. We have most often associated excellence with results. When we think of excellence,we think of straight As in examinations,we think of quality products of business,we think of quality delivery of service but today, we want to examine the character of excellence.

For those of us that are Christians,when we think of excellence,one Bible character comes to mind,Daniel! The Bible mentioned of Daniel, that an excellent spirit was found in him. The term "excellent spirit" doesn't mean anything too spooky or mysterious,the original Hebrew translation for "excellent spirit" also means "the character of excellence".

"An excellent spirit" is different from "the spirit of excellence" but let's not do the theology today, let's stick with understanding excellent spirit. So beyond the results, excellence is a character. Excellence is not "Effizy",Effizy is the great grandchild of excellence. The results are only the fruits of excellence.

Today, we will learn about three characters of Excellence.

1 Time Management: Excellence is typified in time management. Time is a very important key, that is most often trivialised for "deeper" truths. Time is truly synonymous to life,to destiny. That's why on the gravestone,not so much information is imprinted,only the length of time spent on earth is written there. So the summary of the man's life consists of how much time he has to spend here and what was done within that time frame. Our time started counting from the moment of birth to the moment of final breath. A person with an excellent spirit is one who has a quality understanding of time and as a result, guards it jealously and makes quality investment with it. A student that wakes up by 7am,gets to school late by 9am, returns home by 5pm,sleeps at 9pm only to wake up the other day by 7am is, no way under earth, going to have an excellent result. Time management is seen in having priorities and allocating time to every activity based on the hierarchy of importance. A student who plays as much as he reads,gists more than he practises questions,sleeps more than he listens in class is not an excellent student. Sleep is important,play and recreational activities are important,social relations are important but allocating the same time and energy to all these activities is wrong.

2. Discipline : Discipline is a controlled behaviour. I'll define discipline as putting boundaries and self-imposed limitations for the purpose of a higher goal. Daniel,a man with an excellent spirit said I would not defile myself with the king's meat. Daniel,the Bible character,after being a foreigner and slave in a country,was introduced to the palace,and he still chose to stick with his diet and not take the king's meal. That's unimaginable to many of us. That's what most of us would typically call a dunce but discipline is being able to,but not doing it, because of a greater cause. Discipline is seen when you can,but you don't. You intentionally caution yourself. A student that eats what he likes,sleeps when he likes,reads when he likes,attend classes when he likes and just lives his life based on what we call "cruise and vibes" in this generation,is a student who will fail successfully. His failure will be so excellent. A perfect failure. Apostle Joshua Selman said "discomfort is usually the mother of comfort". Jesus said "allow it to be so for now". You have to permit some inconveniences to attain your goals. If you're too comfort driven,you will never see some levels of accomplishment. Greatness is never in the comfort zone,it doesn't stay there. There are times,you must burn the midnight lamp,there are times,you must turn the plate over,there are times you must go the extra mile for certain things to be done.

3. Honour : This is one character of excellence that you might not have considered but honour is a character of excellence. Honour simply means according people the dignity and treatment that is due to them. Honour is celebrating people for their uniqueness. I sit in my lecture rooms and I'm embarrassed by the gross dishonour of students to the lecturers even while lecture is going on and I know in that instant, that these ones can never pass this course. It's not a curse, it's a law. Whatever you dishonour,you can't have. I know that lecturers and teachers might have their excesses,our parents might have their excesses but a Yoruba proverb says "it's not from my mouth,that the death of the old teacher would be heard". Honour is seen in words and behavioural conduct. Honour your teachers for their contribution to your growth. "Are they not paying them for their work?" That's the voice of foolishness. They are being paid but they deserve your honour. They have sailed through the storm you're struggling to get through,be humble,neglect their flaws and honour them. When you choose to honour regardless of their human imperfections,you have set yourself up for series of effortless results. There are people that a "Good morning Sir" with a bow and a smile got them their dream job,while some arrogant people keep going about with their first class certificates without any hope of employment. Add honour to your arsenal today and watch the lifting power of honour. And always remember,to honour, regardless of human imperfections,because the best of a man,is still a man.

My aim for today was to shift our focus from obsession over results when we think of excellence. It's more than reading tirelessly for an exam that guarantees straight As. It is more than buying a new sophisticated machine for your business to make the business expand. Beyond the results,have an excellent spirit. With a character of excellence,the results are reproducible. There's a way to get the results. We have discussed only three but even if these three are all you learn and begin to practise,they can cause remarkable changes in your academics,business and even personal life. Excellence is not spooky,it is attainable. One book that I read and also recommend is "Excellence: How to Purse an Excellent Spirit" by Andrew Wommack. I hope you have learnt something. Drop feedbacks an reviews so we can know how much these truths are changing our lives. Thank you. See you next month.

    

                          Thank you.

                       The Impact Team.

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DEVELOPING YOUR SELF-ESTEEM.

DEVELOPING YOUR SELF-ESTEEM.

Self-esteem is how much confidence you have in yourself. It is your overall opinion of yourself. It is the belief about your worth. For example, if you have a low self-esteem you are constantly afraid of making mistakes or you do something out of fear of what others might say, and therefore do not behave confidently.

Self-esteem is how much confidence you have in yourself.

Low self-esteem is when you lack confidence about who you are and what you can do. You place little or no value on yourself. You have difficulty in accepting positive feedbacks.

Healthy self-esteem is the realistic thought about yourself. You feel confident about yourself. Feeling superior is not a sign of healthy self-esteem, it portrays insecurities. 

WHERE DOES SELF-ESTEEM STEM FROM?

- PEOPLE: People often pass different comments on what they feel about us. Both the positive and negative words said stick to us and we tend to just accept whatever is said about us. It doesn't have to be that way. 

- VOICES IN YOUR HEAD: First, some words come to your head and with your mouth those words are verbalized. The things you say to yourself play a big role in how you feel about yourself. Thoughts like, "I'm not good enough", "I'm such a failure" hurts and damages your self-esteem. Instead, you can think about yourself this way, "I'll do better next time", "I can do it if I put my mind into it".  Learn to think better about yourself.

WITH HEALTHY SELF-ESTEEM YOU BECOME:

- Assertive in your communication.

- Confident.

- More realistic with people.

And you have the ability to withdraw from toxic relationships.

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR SELF-ESTEEM:

- Use positive affirmations on yourself.

- Build positive relationships.

- Become more assertive about your needs.

- Avoid negative self talks.

- Do not compare yourself with others but rather accept yourself.

Thank you

                       The Impact Team

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TOWARDS A PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY: THE CALL - PART 2

 TOWARDS A PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY: THE CALL - PART 2

In ourr earlier article, we were made to understand that picking up our call simply means taking personal responsibility. Truly you have a call of God upon you but not taking responsibility will make this call useless. A man once gave an illustration saying; when you point an accusing finger at someone, you have the three other fingers facing you. This means you are responsible for whatever has gone forth to the other person, and three times of it to yourself.

God gave us life but we ourselves must decide how we are going to live the life. But God has also given us principles through his word, whether we now obey the principle of the creator, it depends on our choice. Choice cannot be made if there is no information (knowledge). This is to say that the information we believe and conceive is what will determine our choice. Therefore, apart from the call upon us, God has also given us sound information from his word to understand and walk in the step for which he has called us.

What then are the various types of calling?

Types of Calling

1. General Calling

2. Personal calling

1. General Calling: The general calling for every human is to serve their Creator. Though there is a great misunderstanding among human on who their Creator is. We must know that every human believes on something. Deep within everyone human on earth, there is something telling them that they are created by a God. Just that many choose to neglect the voice. But for us as Christians, it is not to serve our heavenly father only but to work with his dear son to reconcile the world too Himself.  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. So as a Christian, your general calling is a call to serve God and walk with with Christ to proclaim His gospel to the world.

2. Personal Calling: This calling involves us making use of our talents, skills and wisdom to actualize the call. When purpose is discovered, God also gives the vision on how to fulfill it and the potentials to actualize it. This type of call involves our work and vocation, something that will pay us and sustain our family. When God shows you your purpose and vision for life, you must take responsibility in sharpening your potential which serve as your tools. This call can be in form of a Pastor, Business men, Consultant etc. 

The call we are talking about here is what is called Purpose. Purpose is the reason for your creation. Vision is the unveiling of God's plan for your life. Purpose is knowing the reason you were created while vision shows you how you will fulfill your purpose; your potential is the tool needed to fulfill your purpose.

Thank you.

The Impact Team

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TOWARDS A PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY - PART 1

TOWARDS A PURPOSEFUL JOURNEY - PART 1

THE CALL

Happy New week Fam!

As a way of introduction, Life is not a game that answers to luck. Life is a call that answers to Responsibility. We are delighted to bring to you another inspiring article on Purpose and hope you are blessed by it. 

In our previous articles on Purpose, we have defined and explained what Purpose is. This article will not be complete without first going through the definition of Purpose. If we do not have a clear grasp of what Purpose is, then we cannot align ourselves with these topic series. 

What then is Purpose?.

Purpose is the reason behind every existence or smply put, Purpose is the reason behind every call. It is the intention for every call. Science makes us to understand that during copulation between a man and a woman, every embryo formed is the only sperm that succeeded in fertilizing the egg of the woman; and this is out of over hundreds of millions of sperm released by the man. For this reason, other than science, every man should know that there is an important call upon his life. You are not just formed an accident but there is a reason you exist. We must understand that there is a call on every human being on Earth. Whether we respond to the call or not, the fact still remains that every individual has a call of God on them. Let's study creation; after God has created the first man Adam, He found a purpose for Him and this He revealed to him through His call. He also had another for his wife Eve, this he also revealed through her call.

What is this call? 

In simple words,  a call simply means "to beckon", "to summon" or "to request". Therefore, everyone on the planet was beckoned, summoned and requested by God for a particular reason. For instance before we dial the number of anyone on our phone, we will first have an intention for calling. This is true right?. There is no call without a purpose for the call; maybe it's just to greet or pass information etc. There is always a reason for putting a call through to someone. Even for those who say there's no reason, just felt like calling you - there is in actual sense a reason. 

Hence, the first thing before a call is a reason. We can simply say there cannot be a call without an intention. The reason behind every call is called Purpose.

 There is a widespread fallacy that only men of God such as Pastors, Apostles, Evangelists etc have the call of God upon them but I'm here to convince you that everyone has a call on them. It's not only those that hold spiritual positions of authority that have a call driving them. Every individual posseses a calling, whether it's a call into leadership, business, health, etc.  However it is important to know that the reason for calling any individual will always be different. That is how God has made it. The call of God on our individual lives is different. As our natural faces are different, so is every man's path different and also in the same vein, our calling.

If the reason for calling every individual is different, this shows that not every individual can walk the same path in achieving their purpose. As an individual called into leadership, there is a different path for you compared to he who is called into health but you must first recognize the calling and then focus on  the things you need to do about the calling; the steps you need to take and the paths you have to follow.

We all have the call of God but different reasons (Purpose) and nevertheless, we have a responsibility to pick or not to. Picking the call here simply means knowing the caller (who is God), responding to the call, discovering the reasons behind the call, and taking personal responsibility on the instructions given. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE IMPACT TEAM

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BREAKING FREE FROM SIN

 BREAKING FREE FROM SIN - PART 3

Anchor Texts: John 8:32, Genesis 6:5, Genesis 3, Revelations 2:19-20, Galatians 5:16-26

THE CURSE OF SIN

It's been a pleasant journey with our new series. We have seen what the origin of sin is, how the ADAMIC nature makes man vulnerable. We have seen how by the sins of one man, all men became sinners.

But today, we will be considering THE CURSE OF SIN.

Sin is a curse in itself and it also leads to curses.

Galatians 3:13; we see in this scripture that Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth upon a tree". From this verse above, we see clearly that there is a Curse and this curse is a curse of the law. As any other curse, it is binding on everyone whom the curse is placed upon. How then did this curse come about?

In verse 10 of the same chapter, we see for as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of law to do them".

From the verses above, we are made to understand the legitimate power of this curse. In scriptures, we have seen over time, that Covenant is very important (Genesis 17:7, Ezekiel 37:26). We see God made a covenant with Abraham (we are still celebrating this today); He made a covenant with His son Isaac and then He had a covenant with Jacob, and so on. 

What then is a Covenant? Covenant laws are laws of agreement binding on all parties involved, but in the spiritual sense, here we refer to God and man. From scriptures, we understand that God is a covenant keeping God. It is "man" that must be careful enough to keep his own part of the covenant in order to make it of effect.

The same way there are godly covenants, there are also ungodly ones. Looking at God's word in Isaiah 49:24; "shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered". 

This is to say that though man may enter into bondage or an oppression by virtue of the devil's wicked nature but there are also ones we enter into lawfully. This brings us to this part of the curse of the law. From that verse 10, we see anyone who does not work in accordance with the law will pay for it. 

What law are we then talking about?. This is the law of Sin; the law of the flesh and the law of death.

Romans 8:2 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death".

Romans 5:13b "but sin is not imputed when there is no law".

We understand from these scriptures above, that, there is a law of sin and also of death. And it is for this cause Christ came to die for us. But we must also understand that the law in itself is not sinful.

In the beginning (Genesis 1) when God created man, He gave him laws. These laws were the instructions that man was given. One of which was that he could freely eat of any tree of the garden but not of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Many have argued that if this instruction was not in place, then Adam won't have fallen. But it is note-worthy from our earlier article, that Adam's fall was not due to the instructions but to his ADAMIC nature. If not by the tree, he still would have fallen one way or the other.

It is also important to note that the laws were not made to put man in bondage or condemn him, but through the law came sin which brought about bondage and condemnation. The instructions (laws) were meant to give life but by them came sin whose wages became death. So from here, we see it is not that the law was in itself harmful but going against it brought the harm. That's why Apostle Paul did not say in Galatians 3:10 "Cursed is everyone that doeth or obeyeth the law but those that will not continue in the law".

Furthermore, from Romans 8, we see there is something called the righteousness of the law. Romans 8:2"that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit".

Thus, we understand that there is a way by which we can by the law live a life of righteousness and be free from the curse. Even when Christ was here with us, he said he had not come to abolish the laws.

Matthew 5:17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil".

The law had been before time when God spoke his word to man and started giving Him commandments but Christ says He came to fulfil the law. This is to tell us that the law, though it brought curses; though through it many were thrown into bondage, this law was not yet fulfilled. Christ who became the end of the law is the fulfilment of that law for us as believers who have received Him and with Faith believed. Romans 10:4 "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth". Christ ended the law that brought curse and started the righteousness which is of Faith. The righteousness which is of law was according to the works of man but now through Christ's death and resurrection, we have a law that comes by Faith.

This is why Apostle Paul could boldly say in Ephesians 2:8-16

8 - For by grace are ye saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

9 - Not of works, lest any man should boast.

11- Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

15 - Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 - And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

So, Christ through his death and resurrection abolished the righteousness from the law and gave unto every one who believes "the righteousness that is of Faith".

That's why the scripture says in Romans 10:9-10

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved".

John 3:15 "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life".

TO BE CONTINUED...

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BREAKING FREE FROM SIN

BREAKING FREE FROM SIN - PART 2

Anchor Texts: John 8:32, Genesis 6:5, Genesis 3, Revelations 2:19-20, Galatians 5:16-26

Hallelujah! Beginning the week, we started out on looking at the concept of Sin, how it occurs in our world today, what the origin is and why people sin. We understood that man was created a righteous being and to shine the image of God the Father (hence, being created in his likeness), but also found in man and able enough to distort this plan of God was Sin. And from scriptures, we understand that though God loves sinners, He can barely bear to see sin. He who could turn His back against His son, Jesus, when he bore the sins of the world. That is the same God we are still dealing with. He is still the same; His word is still the same and concerning anything, He bends not His word. The new testament makes us understand He is not a respecter of persons. So, here is what we must understand in this age and time, that God still deals with man the same way He was before. But it's just that we live in a time where Grace has been made available for us in Christ; in a time where we can plead for mercy and not be found guilty: in a time where Jesus is our daily intercessor before God. The scripture says for the wages of sin is death. It also says for all have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord. These and much more are the outcomes of living a sinful life but yet the mercy of God is everlasting in that when we repent of our evil ways, His Mercy is enough to cover all multitude of our sins.

Earlier this week, we also saw the impact of Knowledge in breaking free from sin. John 8:32paraphrased "and the truth that ye know shall set you free". This means that if we want to gain freedom, then we must have access to truth. It is true, the words that say Knowledge is Life. Knowledge is both Light and Life. If you have light, you need not walk in darkness and if you have life, you need not bother about dying. Darkness and death, both which result from Sin.

Today, we will be looking much more into the nature of Sin or putting it in another way, the ADAMIC NATURE OF MAN.

MAN's ADAMIC NATURE

We understand from scriptures in Genesis 1, that God the Father created the whole world, and then He placed man in it to care for it. He created man for His Glory hence His commandment towards man, "be fruitful, multiply and replenish the Earth". Everything in God's plan was good for man and till today, He has only good plans for His people. Jeremiah 29:11 "for I know the thoughts I think towards you, they are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope".

The first man was made to be in control of situations. He was made a governor; a ruler. God gave man so much power, even the will "to do" and "not to do" was given to man. (From scriptures in Psalms 8:5 we see that man was made a little lower than the angels). He had the ability to choose whether "life or death". An account in Genesis 3:3 "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die". This wasn't God speaking to the serpent but man (Eve) speaking to it. Here we see that man could either choose what to do or what not to do. But the will that God gave man became the fall of man. The Bible made us to understand that the serpent, the devil was witty at the time, he was so cunning and as such he was able to speak to this so natural nature of man. He was able to speak to his mind which controlled man's will that was freely given to him of God and through this, the first man was made to sin. ADAMIC nature of man may not be described in it's whole essence as sin but also the nature that made man vulnerable to sin (i.e.the propensity to sin)

The ADAMIC nature wasn't just that he ate of the tree he was warned not to. The ADAMIC nature is disobedience; the ADAMIC nature is emotions; the ADAMIC nature is lying; the ADAMIC nature is trying to cover up evil. 

To say, the ADAMIC nature was every essence of what man was minus God. I believe if we understand this, then we may live our lives in full consciousness of what we are now. By what we are now, I mean, the believer after redemption. We now have God in us, through the Holy Spirit and now it's not the ADAMIC nature which is minus God but the Divine nature which is of God. Now I see why Apostle Paul could say I live, yet not I but Christ which lives in me. As the redeemed of the Lord, that verse in the Bible says we have crucified the deeds of the flesh (Galatians 5:24). This is not just sin but anything that stems out of the flesh which is not right before God, they have all been crucified with our Lord Jesus Christ.

We were made to understand in Genesis 6:5-6 that after man began to multiply on the earth, this ADAMIC nature also grew in man. We saw that God repented making man and that it grieved his heart because of the deep wickedness of man. The ADAMIC nature brought man into this point where he was an offence before God. As we have said earlier, He is a righteous God who cannot bear to behold iniquities. The ADAMIC nature of man was responsible for the captivity of the children of Israel, despite the fact that the word had come from God but the word only came because of man's ungodly nature. Cain killed Abel and got a curse, by the ADAMIC nature. Reuben slept with his father's concubine by the ADAMIC nature and he was cursed. 

The ADAMIC nature was a curse on humanity that necessitated the coming of Christ to redeem man. However, this same ADAMIC nature makes man not accepting to the truth.  Remember, Christ came to the earth in form of man, did all the workings of the supernatural, yet people still doubted him as the Messiah. Not until he was dead on the cross, and the things He said started happening, did they start to think the possibility of him being from God. Yes, the ADAMIC nature brings to sin but it is not in itself Sin. That's why we may be showing certain traits of the ADAMIC nature even in our everyday life but still we feel we are not committing sin. The concept of Sin is not just what you commit; it's that trait that makes you sinful before God. We all know that when we kill is a sin, disobedience also is sin but we do not understand that the fight is not just against the act which is committed, but it's also against that nature within. 

This ADAMIC nature is the Law of sin that the Bible describes.

Christ came to destroy the works of sin including it's hold on us. Romans 5:12 "wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

Verse 14 says "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come"

This is why even though as a person, you do not commit sin but there is every tendency in you to sin..this is why we have to pray daily that that person of the flesh be crucified. Apart from the confession that brings about salvation, we should still pray against this person of the first man. It is because of this ADAMIC nature that you who had known no sin suddenly can fall if all care is not taken. Let's see Apostle Paul's testimony in Romans 7:15 "I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate". If Apostle Paul could testify this way, how much you and I.

Pls, Let's continue following the series to learn more. God bless.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

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BREAKING FREE FROM SIN

BREAKING FREE FROM SIN PART 1

Anchor Texts: John 8:32, Genesis 6:5, Genesis 3, Revelations 2:19-20, Galatians 5:16-26

Praise the Lord! I want to implore us that we take time to study those scriptures outlined above. We will take study references from them as we go on in this series but the most important thing we need to get here is Deep Understanding; and this, we can get if we dutifully study the passages. My prayer is with the series and self-study, light will descend upon us and will shine in all our hearts. Amen

Hallelujah! The topic series we are considering this week is a very crucial one and important that we discuss it even as the world is where it is today. The topic is crucial in the sense that the knowledge is very vital and necessary for us as children of God and heirs according to the promise.

The concept of Sin and Righteousness is so clearly preached; almost everyone will already at one time in their lives have heard of how to not live a sinful life or how sin is unpleasant before God and how that the Righteous God loves us to be righteous. We must have also heard that without Holiness, we cannot please God. And a God we cannot please, we cannot expect him to be pleased with us or even bless us.

Many words like these we have heard and they are all true. Very true. Because the Word of God, the Bible which preaches against Sin is the same everywhere. And the preaching on it has never changed and will never change. It now becomes a bother when though the word is being preached, though everyone hear of this fact, yet sin doesn't decline. We can even say the number of practices are yet increasing; even the church which used to be seen as free from the sins of the world is also not left out as we see what so many great teachers of the word find themselves in today. What then can we say is the problem?

To say, one might argue that ignorance of the nature of sin is a reason for people committing sin but yet even those that have heard and seen the truth which is supposed to be the antidote for ignorance are also guilty of the truth. But both ways are possible. Ignorance is one reason many lavish in sinful practices. Whether it is ignorance of what sin entails, not knowing how it is practised or what we are doing that is sinful; ignorance of how to live a life without committing sin. Many people fall especially in the last category. They see sin as the second nature of man, something that man can never do without. But this is not true, man was created in the beginning as the Bible recorded, just in the image and likeness of God. That is to say, that man had the nature of God; we can thus infer that since God is righteous, then that same righteousness He put in man. 

For man then, it wasn't a choice of let me commit sin today or not commit sin as we see in our world today. Living a righteous life was not a choice. It was not something you can decide to turn on and off like a light switch. It was meant to be man's true nature not even second nature, because man was god. But then man lost this when the first Adam sinned, I used the word "first" here because that generation line perished for a new line to start which came to be through the Lord Jesus Christ. For as the first Adam, came also the second Adam to be the mouth piece of everyone who would descend from this line that is me and you. It was at the point of the first man falling that it became difficult for man to live as He was before hand designed to live. Sin became the order of the day... beginning from Genesis 4 when Cain killed Abel; this was when the devil began to perpetrate his works of sin. I believe by now we know the devil is the one that causeth man to sin. Genesis 3:1. He was that serpent that appeared to Eve and formed the Genesis of man's problem with sin.

But we must also understand that after the first Adam sinned and through his sin, sin became the nature of man; then the concept of Choice also came to being. It was then that man could either decide to live right or to live the other way. We see this in Genesis 6-8. In the same time when people were doing wickedly, the Bible makes us understand that there were still some people heeding to the voice of God. And from a few paragraphs above, we have seen that God cannot speak to you if He finds you unpleasant. And this is what sin does to us. But then He still spoke to the likes of Noah, Abraham, Enoch, Samuel, Moses. He walked with these people and we see the scriptures say again and again of how righteously these men walked and worked with God. Romans 4:22 "(Abraham) and therefore it was imputed unto him for righteousness". Enoch did not know death, the Bible recorded he was translated. Can a sinful man be translated? The answer is No. The New testament talks about the death of the sinner after which He enters into judgement. This part of the scripture scares me enough. The fact that there will be no redemption for man once He is beneath the earth, once He is down six feets. 

This is why I say we can still say some people are ignorant of these words. Because until you read and see for yourself these things in scriptures; the fact that you have heard doesn't take care of anything or may only take care of it a little. This brings us to the part of those who we can say have heard about these words, the so called Christians who still go about frolicking with sin.

One thing I have realized is this, it is one thing to "hear", it is another to "know" and another thing entirely to "do". We can safely assume that just hearing does not amount to having knowledge; having knowledge does not amount to having understanding. It is however much difficult to have understanding, then somehow still not do the works i.e. act it out. Having an understanding gives us the upper hand grasp of the concept and all things being equal, this is supposed to foster us acting upon those things we have understood. We must also understand that not everyone that really hears a word will the hearing translate to understanding for them. The book of Matthew makes us see this clearly in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9).

Here, we were made to understand that a certain sower went into his field to sow and while at it, we saw some seeds fall by the way side; some upon stony places where they had not much earth; some fell among thorns; while some fell upon good grounds. And from the scriptures, we saw what became of each of these seeds. Only those upon good grounds yielded good fruits. Bringing this to our topic series, it is very possible that these set of people who hear the word only hear but do not do well in having knowledge or understanding.

Matthew 13:14-15 "And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

And just hearing without full knowledge and understanding will not give us the results we desire. Ask the citizens of Jesus' home town; they heard the words He preached but it couldn't profit them because they were just hearing. John 8:32 says "ye shall know the truth and the truth that ye know shall set you free". Hence, it is not hearing the truth that shall set us free but the knowledge of the truth.

Pls stay tuned for the next on the series. The Holy Spirit is ready to open our eyes on so many things. The question is are you ready???

TO BE CONTINUED...

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