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A biblical response to a stubborn heart

Jerry Koo
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A biblical response to a stubborn heart

Have you ever tried sharing the gospel to a family or a friend, yet no matter what you say or what you do doesn’t affect them in the slightest? What should we do in response then? Should we give up and do nothing, or go into arguments and debates with them and prove that Christianity is logical and scientific? But does our knowledge of the bible and salvation shape our response in these scenarios? Let us consider two doctrines about salvation.

Total Depravity

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins”

Ephesians 2:1

In Ephesians 2:1, Paul was describing the human condition before conversion. Notice that he uses the word “dead” he didn’t use sick, faint, or weak. But he tells us that we were absolutely dead spiritually. A dead person is utterly powerless to do anything of itself or for itself, and that was the case for us. Unable to recognise the glory of God in our lives even though it is so plainly obvious, indulging in sin and feel no guilt from it, that is what it is like to be dead in sin.

If that is the human condition, why and how are we saved? If we are totally incapable of choosing Jesus ourselves, as all of us are dead in sin, how do we explain our own salvation? Well, the bible gives us a straightforward answer: Salvation is through the work of the Holy Spirit working in us that we may be born again.

The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

John 3:3

We find an illustration of the human condition and the work of the Holy Spirit in Ezekiel chapter 37. There Ezekiel was in a valley full of bones, and Ezekiel preached the word of the Lord to the dry bones, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were brought back to life again.

The Holy Spirit finds men as destitute of spiritual life as Ezekiel’s dry bones; We were like the bones spiritually, without any sign of life. And the Holy Spirit came and pieced our bones together, gave us tendons, flesh and skin but more importantly, it gave us the breath of life! And only through the work of the Spirit, we are “Born again” and able to see the kingdom of God.

God’s sovereignty

So how does knowing this doctrine of total depravity and the work of the Holy Spirit imply? Does it give us an excuse to stop sharing the gospel with our friends and family? Surely not! If anything gives us hope to press on and continue to preach lovingly, recognising that if it is up to us, no one will be saved, but thankfully that is not the case, for God’s hand is never too short to save.

Yes, we may be discouraged when that family member or friend rejects the gospel, again and again; we may feel sad and impatient but may we never lose hope for our God is a sovereign God, and he delights in saving his lost sheep. Knowing this will bring us on our knees and pray for them, recognising that without the Spirit’s work, our works are in vain. But with the work of the Spirit, even the person that is most unlikely to believe will be able to worship him and sing praises to his name.

Building A Bible Reading Habit

Boma Campbell
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Building A Bible Reading Habit

As things open up from July 19th, and many of us settle into new routines, let us continue to, or begin to, prioritise reading the Word of God as our daily bread. As “the Scriptures say,

People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:4 NLT

The Bible is the “word that comes from the mouth of God”, for “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The phrase “inspired by God” literally means “God breathed”.

We should have this at the forefront of our mind when we consider how much time and energy we will put into reading the Bible.

Bible Reading Benefits

Hearing the Word of God, by reading it, or listening to it, has many benefits to us. Here a just a few:

“Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a light to my path”

Psalm 119:105
  • We need God’s Word to navigate this life successfully. God’s Word guides our next steps, and gives us wisdom to make both daily and longer term decisions. We may find a Scripture that speaks directly to our situation, or become more wise (able to make good decisions), by regularly reading the Word. It also teaches us which decisions to avoid (see Proverbs 6:23).

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable].”

Psalm 119:89
  • It is comforting to know that no matter what changes around us –  be it our personal circumstances or the values of our culture – the Word of God does not, cannot change. It is a sure and unshakable foundation – the only one that we should build our lives on.

“The seed is the Word of God”

Luke 8:11
  • The only way to be fruitful and productive Christians is to allow God’s Word to be planted in us and to do it. (See Luke 8:4-15.) We cannot produce fruit without first having planted seed.

“He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
  • God rewards the effort and commitment required to read and study His Word

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”

Ephesians 6:17
  • The Word of God is the only attacking armour listed in Ephesians 6. In Matthew 4 Jesus fought against temptation using the Word of God. When we face temptation and adversity, which we will, we can use the Word we are familiar with to fight.

“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment”

1 Peter 2:2 NLT
  • We cannot expect to mature as Christians if we do not hear the Word of God regularly and as a priority.

“How can a young man stay pure? Only by living in the Word of God and walking in it’s truth”

Psalms 119:9
  • God’s Word cleanses us and causes us to live holy lives.

“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever”

1 Peter 1:23
  • We are all drawn to Jesus by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. The more we read the Bible, the more we will be able to shine Christ’s light to those around us. (See John 1:4, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6.)

How To Read the Bible

Well, first you need a Bible. I like to use a study Bible as I find the notes and references useful. If you do not know which version of the Bible to get, or want a change, a wide variety of versions – in English and other languages – are available on YouVersion’s free Bible app. I like to listen to the Bible using the Dwell App and was thrilled when they recently added the read along function. There is a cost to use the full version but the free version is a useful preview.

Quality vs Quantity

It is certainly important to read through the entire Bible, and doing so can be a good place to start. There are many Read-Through-The-Bible plans to choose from. My mum advised me to and start with the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, a selection of Psalms, and Proverbs, and this works well as a springboard. There are 31 Proverbs so they can be read one a day over and over.

Building a discipline takes time. If you miss a day of your reading plan you could read double to catch up, or pick up where you left off. Sometimes I read a days reading for more than one day before I move on. Either for understanding, or to let it sink in more. It is about building a good habit, not finishing fastest.

Read or listen to the Bible with something to take notes on portions of Scripture that particularly stand out, things you do not understand, and anything that comes to mind as you hear the Word. It can be useful to look back over these notes and reflect on them. I used to use pen and paper, but now use my computer so that I can more easily search through my notes. Find whatever works for you.

Making It Stick

It can be good to agree with a friend to complete a book of the Bible or a reading plan over the same time period. In advance, you could arrange a date to discuss what you have each read. This gives an added incentive to keep up the habit and make good progress before the meeting.

Schedule a reasonable time to do it, and stick to it for as long as it works. If it does not work, move it. If you have an irregular schedule then look at the month ahead and schedule times that will work for you. Just like you might with an important appointment you do not want to miss, you could put your scheduled time in your phone’s calendar, ideally with an alert.

Whether you read the Bible in morning, in your lunch break, or before bed, be sure to pray about building a Bible reading habit before you start and as you go along. God is faithful to keep what you have committed to Him (see 2 Timothy 1:12). We can be confident that as we commit to it we will begin to truly enjoy it. Like David, we will say of God’s Words: “They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.” Psalms 19:10 NLT.

An Open Letter To Those Who Have Suffered Church Hurt

Esther Babatunde
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An Open Letter To Those Who Have Suffered Church Hurt

This is an open letter of apology to those who have been hurt by the church. It’s a letter for the casualties of the failings of the church. For those who have been driven away from Christ because of the church, or discouraged because of the actions of the church.

Who is the church?

The church is made up of the individuals called by Christ to act as one body. But the truth is sometimes we don’t. And the way we act can hurt each other. It could be the aunty who has been a member of the branch for years, pastors and leaders, or even just an individual who calls themself a Christian. We all make up the body of Christ and so the failing of one member affects the entire body.

For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12

What has the church done?

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

Matthew 23:13
  1. Hypocrisy: I’ve heard stories and also experienced the hypocrisy of some people within the church. They gossip, steal, lie and commit sins of the heart and judge others for their outward appearance or for living in a way that they don’t approve of. You may have even done something that is deemed a sin in the Bible, but instead of being corrected in love, people have scorned you, looked at you with derision and made you feel unwelcome.
  2. Created division: Instead of working together as one to build the Kingdom and share the gospel, we’ve torn people down because they’re not like us. Which in turn has made people feel like they don’t belong. We’ve made people feel like they don’t have a home in Christ because they aren’t like us. We’ve made them feel less than and unworthy, forgetting that God’s love isn’t earned but freely given.
  3. Actively hurt people: There have been leaders and members who have physically hurt people. They’ve hurt the vulnerable, hurt new members, old members and even those who loyally support them. They’ve done despicable things that have caused a lot of damage to people and the church physically, mentally and spiritually.
  4. We’ve deceived people: There are people within the church who have stolen from the members. There are even ‘pastors’ who have deceived people and used their position to manipulate people into doing illegal and immoral things. Some people have lost their homes and peace because of the church as a result of manipulation.

My apology

We apologise and acknowledge the hurt caused to you

From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry.

I’m truly sorry for the times we as a body of God have hurt, manipulated, deceived, and judged you. There’s nothing that I or anyone can do to take the hurt away or turn back the hands of time. However, with all sincerity of heart, I apologise. The actions of certain members of the church are not true reflections of Christ and what Christ demands of us.

The God that we serve is love and demands that we love as He has loved us. In our failings, we have represented God badly and have tarnished the image of the God that we represent. In all of this please remember that we the church are responsible for our actions, but God, who is Love, carries no responsibility for our actions.

God gave us the gift of choice, and history and current practices have shown that we sometimes don’t make the best choices and sometimes we make the worst choices. In hurting you we’ve also hurt God.

My prayer is that you see the truth that is Christ. My prayer is that God is revealed to you in Spirit and in truth so that the actions of the church don’t cloud the beauty that is God. There is so much beauty in knowing God and having a personal relationship with Him.

 

What The Euros Taught Us About Racism

Chude Obuaya
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What The Euros Taught Us About Racism

There’s nothing quite like football. There are very few events that can garner such national unity. England were united by a singular goal – it’s coming home. Unfortunately, it did not. What ensued upon the final loss was inevitable. Rashford, Sancho and Saka all detailed in their reflections that they expected the racial attacks that occurred shortly after the result was finalised. As I scrolled through the twitter timeline, I saw numerous comments warning black people who were enjoying the final from various outdoor venues to find refuge. Is football responsible for the racist response we saw or is there a more insidious force at work?

Racism is a heart issue

In recent years there has been a concerted effort to denounce the UK as a racist country. The most recent race report commissioned by the UK government stated, “The UK no longer has a system rigged against people from ethnic minorities”. Yet, if you were to ask minorities if they agreed with this statement the majority, particularly black people would disagree. The reasons why are beyond the scope of this article, but what I want us all to consider this, why did the black players and black fans expect a racist onslaught when England lost? The comments and actions of racists throughout this country further cemented the necessity of the BLM protests that occurred during the summer of 2020. As Martin Luther King famously stated, “A riot is the language of the unheard”. But why should unbelievers lead the charge to tackle racial and social injustices? Let us be very clear, racism is a gospel issue. Racism seeks to distort what God established when he created humans (Genesis 1:26; 9:6). Racism seeks to make us believe the same lie that Satan spoke to Eve, to question our status as image bearers (Genesis 3:1-5). If Christians do not affirm that all humans are created in the image of God and thus all are intrinsically valuable, then we are not equipped to confront racism as we ought.

The Gospel Affirms Those That Racism Denounces

Whilst most Christians agree that racism is the sin of partiality (Leviticus 19:15, James 2:1-4), there is much disagreement as to how to tackle racism. When racial injustice occurs, it appears that some will use the Gospel to dismiss the issue. “Just preach the gospel” is aimed at racism with no consideration of the sociological or historical factors that influence the racialised society we live in or the sociological and historical work that has been done to analyse racism. A myopic view of the gospel narrowly defines the salvific work of Jesus as only redeeming the individual for glory. The gospel is far more glorious than that. The salvific work of Jesus Christ speaks to the redemption of the cosmos, which includes redeeming a people from every tongue, every tribe and every nation (Revelation 5:9). Now these redeemed people are called to spread the fragrance of Christ everywhere, in the hope that those perishing would believe the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:15).

The Gospel Helps Us Love Others

Whilst the Bible is profitable for salvation, teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:15-17), it is not profitable as an analytical tool to interpret the historical and sociological impact racism has had in this country. The Bible is sufficient, not exhaustive. When we make the Bible what it is not, we do a disservice to our neighbours and reduce our ability to love them well. If we want to love our neighbours well, we cannot limit our love to their spirit and disregard their body and soul. The Euros only exposed the condition of people’s heart. Racism is symptomatic of the sin problem that plagues all humanity without Christ. As John Piper states “Christians’ care about all suffering, especially eternal suffering”. If this is true, then let us – girded by the Holy Spirit – use all that is at our disposal to affirm what racism seeks to destroy.

What Is A Christian Response To Sin?

Chude Obuaya
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What Is A Christian Response To Sin?

Sin is pervasive throughout this world. Sin is also prevalent inside each human. Since each human is derived from Adam, we inherit the sin of our federal head (Romans 5:12). As sinners, we are not just prone to certain behaviours but a particular disposition that declares – I do not want God. However, in Christ we have a Saviour who can redeem us from the power of sin and set us free completely (Colossians 2:13-15). Yet, as Christians, many of us can attest to the battle that remains in conquering the sins we have been freed from. This paradox can cause confusion. How can I be battling something that Christ has defeated? This can best be explained with the doctrine of ‘already, not yet’. This concept explains that whilst Christ was, and is, victorious; the full extent of what He accomplished has not been realised yet. As a result, whilst sin no longer rules the Christian, it still combats the Christian (1 Peter 2:11). So, what do we do when sin threatens the new life of the believer?

Sin Is Incompatible With The Believer

The call for every believer is one of holiness. This was the rallying cry of the Apostle Peter when engaging Christians in the dispersion (1 Peter 1:15-16). Before instructing the believers to be holy, he states “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14). Notice the language. Peter affirms their identity, then ushers them to use that as the basis for rejecting sin. In other words, now that you have been saved by Christ live like it.

Continuous, unrepentant sin is incompatible with Christianity. The apostle John echoes these sentiments in his epistle

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil; whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

1 John 3:9-10

Are we noticing the pattern here? Since we have been made new by God (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are now able to live as we were originally created for – God’s glory. If you are struggling with a particular sin, the antidote is not trying harder, but looking more; namely at Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). When we look to Jesus, we see grace not only personified but grace readily available to the struggling saint in need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

We Shall Overcome

There are days in my own life where the sins that I battle can seem so overwhelming. Sins that I felt I should have overcome, appear to still be overcoming me. If you identify with this, there is a temptation to listen to the lies that sin tell. I urge you to reject these lies. You are not your past, present or future sins. If you are in Christ, your only identity is adopted. Satan seeks to accuse you and remind you of your failures, Paul says in response

And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God

1 Corinthians 6:11

God promises that as you walk with Him, He is transforming you from one degree of glory to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18). One day, when you see Him you will be like Him; and you will declare with all the saints, that by His grace, we have overcome!

What Relevance Does The Gospel Have Today?

Jerry Koo
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What Relevance Does The Gospel Have Today?

The gospel is a message that has been passed down for centuries and centuries. In this modern age, where “new” ideas are formed every so often, people question the relevance of this ancient message. Is it time to add or subtract aspects from the message to be more accepted and relatable in our current culture? To answer these questions is straightforward; we need to understand what the gospel is and its message.

What is the gospel?

“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16).”

The gospel is a message from God about himself and the human condition. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul the apostle writes, “All scripture is God-breathed”, meaning that it is from God; God has used the prophets, apostles and history to reveal himself to us. In short, the gospel is a revelation of God, and he has revealed facts about himself through the authors and prophets of the Bible giving them divine inspiration.

The message of the Bible.

Now that we know that the gospel has divine authority, let’s consider the message that has been revealed in the gospel. There seems to be a common misconception that the Bible is all about the dos and the don’ts. Where if you don’t obey the commandments you will go to hell; and if you obey the commandments you will go to heaven. But that was never the main message of the Bible.

“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”

Romans 3:19-20

Slaves to Sin

The main message of the Bible is about the human condition; the Bible tells us that all humans are in “the bondage to sin”. And the law (referring to the ten commandments) exposes the fact to us; it is like a ray of light piercing through a dusty room revealing how much dust is actually in that room. The law was never meant to bring salvation for it tells us that the dusty room is our hearts that we have “all sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and one day we will all be held accountable for our sins and receive judgement.

The truth is we humans haven’t been the same ever since Adam sinned.

Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned

Romans 5:12

We have all sinned against God, and our relationship with the source of life is broken. If you study history, it is easy to observe a pattern throughout human civilisation. Kingdoms rise to be prosperous but eventually fall into ashes as they become more and more corrupted by sin. That was the case for ancient Israel, the Roman empire and even modern civilisations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Humans have always been “slaves to sin ” (Romans 6:20) and it is no different today.

Salvation by Grace alone

We have always needed a Saviour it was the case for Abraham, Isaac, King David and it is still the case for us. A Saviour to restore our relationship with God our Creator and to save us from slavery to sin that we may have joy, love and peace. And the gospel means “Good news” because there is a Saviour and everything in the Bible points to him- the Lord Jesus Christ. “For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus the son of God, who was perfect; even the law couldn’t condemn him and but he chose to die on the cross for his people bearing their eternal judgement, rescuing them from slavery to sin. For us he died on the cross and in three days he was raised from the dead. So that those who believed in him are “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:10)

And now there is no condemnation for those who have faith in the Lord Christ Jesus; for the work is finished in his ultimate act of love and obedience. The story of salvation of grace and grace alone, shows us that we have contributed nothing to deserve this free gift, so that our hearts may be filled with gratitude, joy and love.

The gospel message remains relevant

So is this message still relevant in this modern age? Has God changed or have the human condition changed? The gospel is as relevant to us now more than ever. This is because the message of salvation by grace alone is something that mankind will always need.

Are Social Media Preachers Dangerous?

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
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Are Social Media Preachers Dangerous?

There is a new phenomenon of something known as a “social media preacher”. These are people who have not necessarily been ordained, taught or elected by a local church to preach but are doing so anyway through other means. Their pulpits are Instagram and Twitter, sometimes even TikTok and we become their congregation by watching through our screens. Many of us may see this as a harmless way to preach about Christ. A lot of us may have even applauded some of these preachers but what if they are more harmful than useful? Have we considered the potential issues that may arise from this type of preaching? And has social media become the marketplace for confusion about biblical theology?

Consider the potential issues

Once upon a time the only occasion we would hear the gospel preached was on a Sunday, as we sat in a pew listening to a preacher on the pulpit. Occasionally, we may have heard it through people evangelising on the streets or even at a small group during the mid-week. Nevertheless, the teaching we would receive would be from people who had counsel, community, and unity in their understanding of the Word. Together they aimed to share the truth and build others up in the faith, as it should be.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 

Ephesians 4:11-12

This is not a disqualification or esteem of certain preachers over others but an observation. Now more than ever, we hear multiple variations of the word preached every single day. If you scroll through your Twitter feed, you can find many different people tweeting about Jesus and other related biblical issues. Unfortunately, given that there are people are tweeting and sharing contradicting information with one another, this poses a problem. The new social media preacher can assert authority over what they share without the accountability of leaders, elders, and fellow church members. This can lead to a distorted view of the Word, false teaching and overall, create confusion. Evidently, not all operate in this way but the few that do are worth this warning.

 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

Is social media the best place?

The fact is, we are all online. We are going to come across this type of content on our social media pages. It can be confusing if we are presented with varying theologies all the time. So, what can we do to reduce the confusion?

  1. Reduce the amount of information we consume – Unfollow- it can be a simple solution but we do not tend to do it as often as we should, especially when we admire the person. However, if our ‘favourite’ starts tweeting or sharing something that is completely contradictory to the truth, we must take action. This could include muting or completely unfollowing them. For we cannot allow ourselves to be easily influenced.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming

Ephesians 4:14

There will be false teachers, but not everyone who says something incorrect is a false teacher. We must be discerning. Sometimes additional guidance is needed. If we are able to correct them, I would encourage that too. But we cannot know if teaching is false and correct anyone if we do not know the truth ourselves.

  • Check the Word – we hear a lot about the Berean Christians (Acts 17:10-15) and we are told to be like them but what does that mean? It is to go back, check what we have heard. We can do this by double-checking the scriptures (even in articles like this one) to ensure they are the truth. Thankfully, we have been equipped with the Word and the Holy Spirit. In addition to trusting the Holy Spirit, it is important to have wise counsel. For example, talking to mentors, pastors and trusted Christian confidants about the new information. Sometimes fleshing out our questions and doubts can help us to gain a better understanding.

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so

Acts 17:11

Ultimately, we will often be presented with new information. We must learn how to filter through to the truth without being swayed every way. Sadly, it seems social media is becoming more saturated with this type of “influencer”, not less. It might be time to stop engaging with the content completely. Either way, let us be diligent in our pursuit of knowledge and never forget the unchanging gospel of Jesus Christ.

Do You Have A Disrupted Fellowship With God?

Chude Obuaya
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Do You Have A Disrupted Fellowship With God?
Prefer to listen? Listen here!

The gospel offers the sinner many promises. Among these promises is a reality that can be easily forgotten – fellowship with God. The gospel declares that not only can we have union with God but that we can also enjoy fellowship with God. This divine reality finds its root in the beginning when God establishes a covenant with Adam (Genesis 2:16). Sin destroyed the fellowship that mankind had with God; but through Christ this fellowship is restored. If you are a Christian, do you struggle to believe this? If you are non-Christian, do you long to partake in this?

Sin disrupts fellowship


Humans were made for God. We were made to reflect and revere the glory of God in all that we say, do or think. Sin distorts this reality since sin rejects the glory of God. To sin is to declare that there is something or someone else that can satisfy me more than God. The charge declared in Romans 3:9-12 is damning

“What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

Romans 3:9-12

This diagnosis defines the state of mankind. Our sin separates off from God and blinds us to our need for God. Yet, whilst we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6,8). Not only are those who trust in Christ forgiven (Ephesians 1:7), they are reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18) and adopted by God (Romans 8:15). What sin sought to destroy, in Christ, God redeemed.

Grace restores fellowship


It can be difficult to believe that God loves you. Even more so to believe that God delights in you. Yet this is not hyperbole. The bible continuously reminds God’s people that they are loved (Psalm 18:19, Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 62:3-5, Psalm 149:4, 1 John 4:16, John 15:9-11). When personal failures occur, it disrupts our faith. Therefore, John calls for believers to confess their sin (1 John 1:9). Darkness cannot have fellowship with light (1 John 1:6). Confession of sin declares that your allegiance is to God. Confession is not earning a relationship with God, it confirms it. It states that I trust God to be who is – faithful (1 john 1:9 c.f. 1 Corinthians 1:9).

The good news is that this offer of fellowship is for sinners. Grace and mercy are readily available for all those who realise they need it (Matthew 9:12-13). We have all fallen short of the glory of God, but in Christ there is hope. Satan (your enemy) wishes to tempt you, like he did Eve, with the idea that God is withholding something from you. The devil is liar (John 8:44), God wants to give you the best thing in the world. He wants to give you Himself. My prayer is that God will open your eyes to see your sin and Christ’s saving grace (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). You were made for fellowship with God, come home.

Are We Free To Do Anything As Long As It’s Not A Sin?

Esther Babatunde
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Are We Free To Do Anything As Long As It’s Not A Sin?

In an age of libertinism, there is a culture that persuades the masses that we are free to do as we please, as long as it makes us happy. This poses the question; as Christians are we free to do anything as long as it’s not a sin?

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

An ambassador’s job is to represent the nation. This means that our jobs as Christians is to show God’s glory and to advertise Christ in the best possible way. While the role is a privilege and honour, it is also a responsibility.

Part of that responsibility is ensuring that our conduct does not cause others to sin or prevent others from joining the Kingdom. This often involves either going the extra mile, or not doing certain things, even if they are not sinful.

Not all lawful things are beneficial

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 6:12

There are certain things that are not unlawful but can cause damage to the body of Christ. For example in the UK, smoking is lawful but it has the potential to kill. So many people choose not to smoke to protect their health. The Bible does not prohibit drinking alcohol but when we go out and have a drink Christians must be mindful not to create a tempting environment for Christians and non-Christians that still struggle with drunkenness. Also, as ambassadors of Christ, we must present ourselves in a way that shows Christ and protects his people.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:13 said;

So if what I eat causes another believer to stumble I will never eat meat again as long as I live for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble

1 Cor 1.18

Regardless of whether something is lawful, we are required by love to make selfless decisions. The Bible asks us to act with wisdom in consideration of the Gospel and souls.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Colossians 4:5

What’s the point of it all?

Whether we like it or not, our actions and words can either draw souls to Christ or discourage souls. Even the things that we say, and our character can negatively affect the souls that God cherishes so much.

An alcoholic could see a Christian drink alcohol which isn’t expressly called a sin in the Bible, and use it as justification for his/her continued alcoholism. Someone struggling with lust could be in a conversation with a married couple who is talking expressly about sex and it could negatively affect their battle with lust. None of the two actions are deemed sinful by the Bible, but the repercussions are negative.

It is imperative that we consider God and others when doing or saying things. You must consider if what you’re doing or are about to do can negatively impact your ability to win a soul to Christ. Or if it could inadvertently pull a saved soul into sin.

It may not sound fair, but it’s the responsibility we carry for the privilege of being God’s ambassadors. While we must be considerate, there are some things that are unavoidable.

How do we know when it’s not beneficial if it’s lawful?

  1. Feed on the Word: There is nothing happening now that the Bible doesn’t have a solution for or a lesson on. Whatever the Holy Spirit encourages you to do will be in line with the Word, because God is not fickle and He doesn’t change.
  2. Walk by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our guide and our teacher. As we apply the Word in our hearts; the Holy Spirit, He will lead you and teach you. He will let you know when what you’re doing has a negative impact on the Kingdom.
  3. Ask God for wisdom: God gives wisdom freely and His wisdom will allow you to decipher when and what you should or shouldn’t do.

Being an ambassador of Christ is a privilege, but it is also a responsibility that we have to guard jealously.

Remedies to a prayerless life

Chinedu Agwu
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Remedies to a prayerless life
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The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective- James 5:16

Prayer is an action often associated with someone of faith, but what does it entail exactly? Well, it involves petition (Philippians 4:6) as well as adoration (Psalm 144-150; Luke 1:46-55), confession (Psalm 51; Luke 18:13), and thanksgiving (Psalm 75; 1 Thessalonian 1:2). However, in simpler terms, it is a conversation with our father in heaven, creating space in our lives to seek His face and hear from Him.

Prayer is also an opportunity to intercede on the behalf of other people (Ephesians 6:18) as well as submit our will to God’s Will, allowing for His divine intervention to occur. As Christians prayer is important for us as it builds intimacy with God, cultivates us in our journey of faith and keeps us spiritually topped up.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

How do we know our prayer life has dwindled?

There can be some subtle symptoms of a waning prayer life, these can include weariness, falling into temptation, your language or countenance changes or you find yourself constantly being gripped by fear and anxiety (the symptoms are not exclusive to this list alone.) Things that can contribute to a waning prayer life include having a busy life where something or someone is competing with God’s place, or has become an idol in your life.

Secondly it could be because of committing a sin, we may feel shame and fear and so may not feel worthy enough to pray to our Father. Finally, and this may sound strange…but we may not pray as much when life is GOOD. You may think well everything is in tip top shape right now, so why pray! This being said, if unaddressed a prayerless life can lead to distance from God, developing a habit that is hard to break or leaving yourself vulnerable to spiritual attack.

Examples of prayer in the Bible

Jesus set the example when it came to prayer. Whilst being fully God and fully man, during His ministry on earth He often retreated to a quiet place to pray and speak to the Father. Even Jesus knew the importance of spending quality time with God to speak to Him and hear from Him (Luke 5:16, Mark 14:32-42).

Other examples include Daniel who often spent time praying on behalf of His people and giving thanks to God (Daniel 6, Daniel 9) and King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19:14-19, where he pleaded with God for deliverance of his people from the hand of the Assyrian king. Furthermore, there is the famous praise and prayer in Acts 16:25, when Paul and Silas were imprisoned and this led to doors flying open and chains being loosed. Prayer can do this, it can open doors and break chains in our lives and those of others because it’s not our prayers that work, its the God who receives them who does the work.

Finally, there are countless prayers David prayed to God in the book of Psalms and Hannah’s prayer in her heart as she cried out to the Lord for a child (1 Samuel 1:9-18).

How to improve your prayer life

Remedies:

  • Read and meditate on the prayers from bible stories (You version bible app).
  • Ask a friend if they could be your prayer partner and pray once week or daily together.
  • Attend a bible study group.
  • Try to attend prayer nights and engage in corporate/collective prayer.
  • Creating times in the day to talk to God in the morning, whilst walking, jogging or before bed.
  • Engage in a fast: dry, Daniel or social media fast.
  • A retreat, take a weekend to leave your natural environment and retreat to a quiet place to draw closer to God.

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

Matthew 26:41

As Christians living in a modern and fast paced world, we know that life can get very busy and the soul can get weary. Many people and things can compete for your attention and energy. However, when you notice that your prayer life is waning, cry out to God to draw you back to Him. Do whatever it takes to rebuild that prayer life and regain that intimacy, it is important that we remain connected to the vine (John 15) so that we can continue to live fruitful lives.

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