Jesus Christ is greater than angels

Jesus Christ is the son of God that is seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly realms as the creator and sustainer of the universe. It was through Him that God created the universe. He is the heir of all things, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact Image of God. He is our saviour and redeemer. Jesus Christ is superior to the angels. Angels are ministering spirits and serve God daily in His heavenly court. Angels ministered to Jesus while He was here on earth and they will accompany Him at His second advent. Angels are also created to serve and attend to Christians and they are not to be worshipped. They are only servants!

Divine privilege

God continues to reveal His plans and purposes to His people through visions - even today. But these visions must necessarily accord with His word. It is absolutely true that God is full of Love and mercy; He is also a Holy God who is angry with sin and is sure to punish it. This important aspect of God’s righteous character should be noted. Anyone who seeks divine fellowship and favour should hate sin. The best option is for the person to confess and forsake the sins committed. I will want to narrow your mind to the vision about the Messiah of the world. This vision has to do with the Messiah who would be both king and priest- functions hitherto perform by two distinct persons. Whereas the King ruled in the political life of the people, the priest presided over their spiritual life. History and experience have shown that a great number of kings and priests in Israel were not men of integrity. But the Messiah would not only combine both the position of the king and that of a priest, but would also reign with perfect harmony and peace. This Messiah is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God. He is the Great Reconciler through whom alone we can be in harmony with God the Father by His atoning blood. He thus gives us His peace which “passes all understanding”. If you have made Jesus Christ your personal Saviour and Lord, then there is the guarantee that you are part of that “temple’ the Church, which He is building and against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Conversion of St. Paul the apostle and three life’s pictures to use

Saint Paul the apostle was once called Saul and was an avowed persecutor of Christians until he had a personal encounter with Jesus as the risen Lord. Paul recalled his conversion experience, capturing it for us with three pictures. Firstly, there is the picture of himself before his conversion; how he lived his life in Judaism, and intensely persecuted the church. It was a life lived in opposition to God’s will. Secondly, there is the picture of his encounter with Christ; how he had a persona encounter with Jesus Christ from whom he received by revelation the gospel he preached. Thirdly, he gives us the picture of himself after God called him. A man, who once was a terror to the Church, suddenly becomes a blessing to God’s people as people gave glory to God because of him. These three pictures above are needed by every Christian to determine whether he or she is growing in the faith or not. Anyone who cannot differentiate between a past life outside Christ and a new life in Him is not born again. A personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot but be a source of blessing to all that come our way. I will admonish you to these three pictures painted supra to examine your life today. - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Christian relationship and suffering

The book of Peter in the Bible changes Christians to live Godly lives, even in the midst of trials, suffering or persecution. Circumstances do not affect Godly principles for living, whether you are being love or hated, you are bless, whether you are being embraced or persecuted, your life and testimony are to witness to the hope of salvation in Christ. Consistency in Christian Living in spite of circumstances is the true test of Christian growth. There are some several points to be highlighted on Christian relationships and suffering and these are Christian relationship of servants to masters (1 Peter 2:18-20) of which servants are admonished to be subject to their masters with all fear and diligent. Again, Christian example of suffering wrongfully – because Christ suffered for us, living us an example that you should follow His steps and it is in this light that it is expected of Christians to let their lives witness for Christ regardless of circumstances around us. Christians should understand that suffering for Jesus Christ is part of the Christian life and therefore, we should study Jesus responses to suffering and follow His example. (Philippians 3:10-11). When Christians are sick physically, Jesus is always there to heal all diseases and infirmities just by the faith of the Christian and remember what 1 Peter 2:24 says about healing. It is simply saying about what Jesus Christ can do and that by His stripes we are healed and know for sure that physical healing is part of the redemptive work of Christ. - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Can you forgive and forget?

“I can forgive, but I cannot forget,’ is only another way of saying, “I cannot forgive.” The issue of forgiveness is so serious and essential that the Lord had to return it again after giving His disciples the pattern to follow while praying. There is no special condition given on whom to forgive and whom not to forgive. We are expected to forgive everybody, and unconditionally too. Again in Matthew 19:21, when Peter asked, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” he received a reply that makes it point clear that there is no limit to which we can forgive. Furthermore, when we pray, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”, we are holding ourselves bound if we fail to forgive. We are actually saying that God should book our own debts against us if we fail to forgive. Hence, praying without forgiving is pronouncing judgment against ourselves. Are you counting any wrong against any person now, kindly forgive and free yourself. - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Blessed for being poor in spirit

The Sermon on the Mount is known among Christians as the Beatitudes (“Be-attitudes”). In it, Jesus tells of the attitudes His followers should adopt so as to be perfect as His father. God blesses those who live out these traits, who live by the code of conduct given. Jesus started with words that seem to contradict each other such as “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. The poor in spirit here does not mean those who have low self-esteem or low interest in spiritual things but those who recognize their spiritual poverty, their need for God and seek His grace. They know they have needs and they know they need God and do not imagine that by serving Him, they are doing Him a favour. Such humble people who realize their need for God to make them rich spiritually will be given the Kingdom of God. My dear friend, realize your spiritual poverty today and trust the Lord to make you rich. Do not be puffed up in your spirit and think you have arrived. Like Paul the Apostle in the Bible, press on to receive more from God, for there is blessedness for being poor in spirit. - By Jokpeme Joseph omode

Behold your mother

In this discuss we are going to say that John and Mary mother of Jesus Christ share some things in common. Both are endeared to Jesus – Mary is because she gave birth to Jesus and John on the other hand, beloved apostle who leaned on Christ during meals. Both played important roles in Jesus ministry. Mary as mother called Jesus to turn water into wine, although it was not yet time for such duty. John was so loved by Jesus that through Him, the disciples knew some deep mysteries even His betrayer – Judas Iscariot. Consequently, on the cross, Jesus knew that Mary and John will miss Him deeply and He cared for them deeply and He cared for their deep emotional need. Jesus had extraordinary love for His mother and John. Jesus cared for His mother, how about you? Do you communicate, help and encourage her? Mother deserves to be cherished, loved and adored with affections. Will you remember your mother today and always as Jesus did? The joy of it will make her live longer. - Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Be ready for persecution

Be ready for persecution From the beatitudes considered so far, none is as difficult to be accepted as the one we read about persecution. To be persecuted for righteousness sake or for righteous deeds and for loyalty to the Lord, is not only painful but seems unfair. Why should my commitment to God provoke persecution? Why should I even take it? Jesus answered this by saying “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God”. By this Jesus simply says: you want to be among the blessed of the Lord who will inherit the kingdom? Welcome! Accept and endure persecution for doing the righteous deeds that heaven requires. The early apostle realized this and encouraged one another that they must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus while preparing for His disciples for His crucifixion warned them of persecution to come. Are you (or someone you know) being persecuted in your family, school, community, or work or place for being upright and being an example? Do people gang up or plot to pull you down on account of your strong faith in Christ? Don’t be discouraged! Don’t quit! Be of good cheer! Jesus is saying you should hang on because you will be rewarded and the Kingdom of heaven is yours! - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Be honest and truthful and also avoid lies

Do you find pleasure in telling lies? Is it fun to you to tell lies? If you are enjoying telling lies, I will advice you to stop it. It does not make sense to tell lies. Train and teach yourself not to tell lies! It will lead you no where but ruin because in the end, you will get hurt when the truth comes out. No secret will be hidden forever. It will definitely pump out to be seen by all. Jesus told us in the Holy Bible that we should not swear by anything and that we should let “our yes, be yes” and No, be no. Here, God is emphasizing on the importance of telling the truth. When we are known as people of this world, that is truthful persons; then people will have confidence in us and believe whatever we say without swearing before they believe us. The problem we are having is untruthfulness, most times we say “A” and “B” even as Christians, so God is emphasizing on the need of our ‘Yes, being yes” and “No, being No” so that people will believe us at all times. Sometimes we hear people saying “if this person tells you to stop, please run, if he tells you to run, stop.” Simple meaning is that the person is untruthful. So my dear brethren think twice. Are you known as a man or a woman of his or her word? Are you being truthful or untruthful? - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Be faithful to your spouse and don’t try cheating

So many people are never faithful to their spouse? They always cheat and feel it is good? They feel it is enjoyment but it will all end in ruin. How are you treating your spouse? Is it in the negative way? It will lead to hurt! It simply does not make sense to cheat or being unfaithful. Must you fall a victim? I don’t think it is good when someone will get hurt. Jesus admonishes us to remain faithful to our spouse and to avoid divorce because it is not God’s injunction. Divorce is not allowed as Christians, even when one partner is misbehaving, what you need to do is to complain to the person that made you people (I mean God Almighty) keep loving the spouse in all things whether good or bad as you vowed during marriage. The spouse whose selfish attitude is hurting the relationship should repent; there should be forgiveness of each other. Please when one is unfaithful, solution is not divorce rather, repentance and prayer. How are you treating your spouse? Are your actions helping your marriage to grow stronger or are you tearing the marriage apart? Repent, be faithful to your spouse and help build your family. - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Be a true companion

A good definition of a companion is a person who shares the experience of another; especially when these are unpleasant or unwelcome. It is good and necessary you have a true companion who you will have confidence in to undertake difficult tasks assigned to them in the Lord’s vineyard. Can you be a true companion? How will you show it? Are you kind, loving, and willing to make sacrifice if possible as a true companion? Can you be trusted companion? Can you be a reliable companion? And can you be a hardworking companion? Are you sure you can be a true companion? Are you ready to be a true companion? If truly you are ready to be a true companion, then, no negative report should be given about you. Try to consider the report people have about you in your family, church, office, school, neighbourhood, and also try to amend or correct that which is considered wrong or bad and desperately needs change for good. Be a true companion! - By Jokpeme Joseph omode

Be a peace maker

In a world where people are at odds with each other at all levels, we are called to make peace. Our country needs peace makers now more than ever. Jesus recommends peaceful coexistence to His followers as an attitude that is commendable. As the author of peace, Jesus says there is blessedness in peace making. Peace makers strive to prevent contention, strife and war, using their influence to reconcile warning parties. They labour after peace and promote peace wherever they go. Such people shall be dignified with honour as God’s children for God is the supreme peace maker. As a child of God, you can do much to promote peace. You can pray for the peace of families and communities, you can be involved in resolving conflicts and works of reconciliation, you can learn to listen, to love and care for people on both sides being on the side of peace. You can also walk in the steps of the Master who sacrificed His life that we may have peace. Do you have peace? Remember you cannot be a peacemaker unless you have peace – that peace that comes from your reconciliation with Christ. Be a peacemaker today. - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Annunciation Of Our Lord To The Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Living

Looking at the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a young maiden, I see a life in sharp, direct contrast to that of the youths of today.it is so unfortunate that despite the high rate proliferation of churches and moral decades that is highly on the increase, I wonder how many of our youths and teenagers that will boldly say like Mary, “….Since I do not know a man?” or simply put, I have not had intercourse or sex with a man since birth. Again, I see a lot of people blowing a trumpet about their self centered spirituality and holiness, going about announcing themselves, doing more of the talking than the doing. If holiness is more al about the talking, Mary of all maidens won’t have been singled out. I think it is a lot better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Know this for sure that lighthouse does not ring bells and fire cannon to call attention to their shinning because they just shine. It is in this light that I would say to you that you should stop that talking! Move on to action! Move to holy living and I am sure you will be glad you did! - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

Abide with us

Easter has been and is still the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the fact of which is the foundation of our Christian faith. On this glorious Easter day, Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord appeared to two disciples going to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-14). Jesus questioned them about what they were discussing (events in Jerusalem in recent times) Luke 24:15-17. They narrated the story of the event – concerning Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people (Luke 24:18-24). Jesus rebuked their unbelief and expounded the scriptures to them (Luke 24:25-28). When they came near to the village where they were going, Jesus indicated His intention to go farther. But they urged Him strongly, “abide with us”. Jesus Christ continued with them because they pleaded with Him to stay with them. The result of Jesus Christ staying includes : He revealed Himself to them at the breaking of bread. He opened their eyes to recognize the Lord. They were able to realize what happened on the road. These people who were afraid were able to go back to Jerusalem that very night. Why? Their testimony was empowered, they were able to witness effectively to the other disciples, “it is true, the Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon” – the two told what has happened on the way. I really think we need to plead with the Lord to always remain with us. We should do so by prayer and creating conducive environment for Him. It will make the whole difference in our lives. Are there things in and around us that will make Jesus not stay with you? Deal with them and make room for the Lord. - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

A stronghold in times of stress

In this world we live in today, we all need a stronghold, a place of security, a place of protection, a hiding place so that we would not be defeated by life’s troubles. The Scripture has cautions about the last days. Here is how some versions of the Bible describe the last days in 2 Timothy 3:1: “perilous times” (New King James Version); “difficult times” (Good News); “terrible times” (New International Version); “grievous times” (World English Bible); “dangerous times” (Common English Bible); “violent periods of time” (God’s Word); “times… full of danger” (J.B. Philips); “very hard times” (Contemporary English); “times of stress” (RSV) . It is obvious that the times described in the various Bible versions are already here with us, stressful times indeed. At such a time as this, we all need a stronghold, a place of security, a place of protection, a hiding place so that we would not be defeated by life’s troubles. Our world is going through times of stress: religious persecutions, economic hardships, social vices, etc. some of us have become prisoners of the world’s systems, captives of worry, pressure, circumstances, etc. and need deliverance. Please I would admonish you to understand this: “the salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble” (Ps. 37:39 New International Version). There is hope in Jesus. Go to Him! - By Jokpeme Joseph Omode

It Is All About Faith And Not Fertilizer

Few years ago, fertilizer became a common feature in public discuss as it concerns agriculture. It was said to be subsidized and distributed to farmers who turned out to be politicians who did not know the roads to the farms. This led to some boos and cries amongst genuine farmers, farming being their mainstay and source of livelihood.

In the Bible according Genesis 26:11-22, Isaac by express and divine instruction was asked to stay in Gerar, a land that was not evidently lucrative. He demonstrated faith in obeying a tough order. If it were some, they may redefine the instruction to soothe their fleshy desires.  They may start shuttling between Gerar and Egypt or Nigeria and Saudi Arabia or even United States of America and Great Britain as the case may be, or remain in Gerar and take their families to Egypt.

A Land In The Hands Of God

Today, we shall be pointing to a land that has God as, amongst other things as the Surveyor, the Architect, the Builder, the Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, the Town Planner, the Chief Security Officer, etc.  It is not a city where you labour to water your crops, the land drinks from the rain o f heaven. It is not a land of grass but of grace, not of gun, but of glory. It is a land in the hands of God.

He Will Do It Again for our victory

Our being alive today is due to God’s incontestable ability to deliver. Think of all the difficulties and challenges and even the dangers you went through in this life and the eventual testimony that turned out. God does not take pleasure in the captivity of His children. He is not happy with their afflictions because He has nothing to gain from it. Anything that makes you to wail and weep instead of worshipping God is an error and God is set to correct it.

God may not be available

One common lie which some parents teach their children is to tell those who want to see them (parents) that they are not around when they are actually inside. It is unfortunate that parents encourage such ungodly habit that may eventually live with children through life. It would be more appropriate for the children to use the term “ not available” which does not necessarily mean that someone is not present at a particular location but that such a person, for one reason or the other, may not be able or interested in seeing or attending to the visitor or caller. God is ever present. But there may be a time; He may not be interested in availing people of Himself.

God in the ordinary things of life

Jesus involvement in such an apparently mundane thing as a wedding and its festivities may appear rather difficult for some people to understand. Surely, the saviour of mankind must be such more concerned with things that are sublime and of eternal value!

But we must know that a wedding, with its festivities, is about man and about people. The people to whom he brought salvation.