What can separate us from the love of Christ By Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                 

Text: Romans 8:35-39

Topic: What can separate us from the love of Christ

This study will be done with the following sub headings:

Background

His provisions from the text

Aftermath/benefits from correct yielding to His provisions

Things that attempt separate us from Christ

Conclusion

Background 

Scholars believe that the book of Romans was written around AD 57 in Corinth, It also believed that the church may have been founded by Jewish believers converted in Acts2 and has amongst others the purpose of the book as: ( a ) Apostle Paul’s introduction of himself to the Church (b) systematic explanation of the gospel to them ( c ) practical explanation of the ideal relationship between the Jews and Gentiles even in the church. Sincerely Apostle Paul is someone worth meeting physically if his epistles written well over two thousand years still exudes such wisdom, mystery and impact what a man, every generation also need the gospel properly laid bare even as we move towards the last days of the earth, most things we do both at the level of the laity and clergy needs the gospel may God help us Amen. Relationship is seed whose harvest is always looming hence the need to be learn and relearn the does and don’ts of relationship even from a biblical perspective.

Chapter eight (8) which is our focus starts out declaring that there is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ. Considering the fact that some may see that declaration as a blank cheque to misbehave, it was clarified in the latter verses that we are not controlled by our sinful nature but by God’s spirit vs.7-9, as sinful nature leads to death as Adam Vs.13, Gen 3.

The chapter further explains what the Spirit does for us amongst others as:

Spirit makes us His children vs.14

Spirit drives fear away vs. 15

Spirit affirms our sonship vs.16

Spirit helps us to pray vs. 26-27

His provisions from the text 

God is for us                                vs.31

God gave us His son                   vs.32

He reconciled us to Himself       vs.33

Christ died for us                        vs.34

Aftermath/benefits from correct yielding to His provisions 

A host of God’s provisions has conditions attached to it, if you are willing and obedient Is.1:19, if you faithfully obey god blessings will follow Deut. 11:27, this isn’t an exception, it is our continuous alignment and yielding to God that continually unclench His provisions

No one can be against us                                      

He will give us all according to His will

No one can condemn us

No one can separate us

Christ is pleading for us

Things that attempt separate us from Christ vs 35, John 16:33 

Trouble

Calamity

Persecution

Hunger

Destitution

Danger

Death

Conclusion 

It is our receiving the Holy Spirit and our consistent dependence on him exclusively that guarantees our together with Christ not minding the fiery darts that the devil is throwing at us (hence the Godly emphasis on the Spirit in the preceding verses).

Let’s wait on Him to receive and yield to His Lordship that is the only saving grace.

Compliments of the season to you in Jesus mighty name, Jesus is the reason for the season don’t forget that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The emptiness of this life by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                 

Text: Ecclesiastes 1

Topic: The emptiness of this life

The message will be discussed with the following headings:

Background

What emptiness does not regard

What causes emptiness

Solution to emptiness

Background

Scholars agree on the date of writing of the referenced book to be around 935BC but there is no consensus on the writer even with clear and pointing scriptures like Eccss. 1:1 and 12 which says that these are the words of the teacher king David’s son who ruled from Jerusalem

If one gives a cursory and spiritual look at the book of Ecclesiastes one may want to agree with those who doubt King Solomon’s human authorship of the book of Ecclesiastes for the following reasons among others which may not be mentioned:

Ø  The contrast in relation to wisdom its use among others Compared to what God used him to say, do and imply in Proverbs. For an illustration, Ecss.1:18 says grief increases with wisdom, while on the other hand the scripture in 1 Cor.1:24 states that whether to the Jews and Greeks Christ is the wisdom and power of God if his assertion is totally true it means the more of Christ you have the more grieved one also becomes this makes his stance not totally true but a show of his experience at that time.

Ø  He spoke about looking under the sun when issues became knotty or when he raised a seemingly difficult situation, this was mentioned around nine times showing a confusion whereas the scriptures states in Psalm 121:1 ff. clearly tells that our help comes from and is in the name of the Lord only. Even the scriptures talks against trusting in man psalm 146:3.By our actions are we not looking for solutions even in the wrong places today?

Ø  In the book of Ecclesiastes hope was totally thrown out, in fact this was taken to the extreme in Eccss. 4:3 which says that the only persons with hope are babies who weren’t born into this world of woes whereas the scriptures says in 1 Cor. 15:19 says that if our hope is in this world alone we are to be pitied, which means we have hope in this world and in the world to come as believers in Christ in fact scriptures like Prov.4:18 which says our path shines brighter and brighter till the perfect day. Child of God do not lose hope, irrespective of the turnout of event the scriptures even says there is hope for a tree if it be cut down Job 14:7ff

To the class that agreed to king Solomon’s authorship, there seems to be a kind of Spiritual Emptiness inside King Solomon at the time of this writing that was finding expression in His thinking and writing which also culminates into a verse like Eccss. 1:14, hence God led us to study the emptiness of this life, may God help us to be free from all forms of emptiness that could be ravaging us in Jesus mighty name amen.

What emptiness does not regard

The following are just few things among many things that emptiness does not regard:

Ø   Wealth. Eccss. 2:10 says anything his eyes/heart wanted he gave it ,it takes a wealthy man to be able to say and do that still he was empty/saw emptiness

Ø  Qualifications: Queen of Sheba in her speech said that she didn’t hear half of her wisdom and prosperity, this amongst others are in the class of present day qualifications that a lot of people go to any extent, or adopt crooked means to get today or get and still totally display folly. This must be said clearly and correctly as good as academic qualifications are physical/material things can’t prevent or solve spiritual issues.

Ø  Status Vs. 1 & 12, the exalted position of the king didn’t prevent emptiness, Just like royalty didn’t stop Pharaoh and Herod from perishing.Ex.14-15, Acts 12:23ff.

Ø  Study Vs. 13

Ø  Wisdom Vs 16 & 18

What causes emptiness

Sin Gen3:7 ff. It was not the eating of the forbidden fruit that made them naked but it removed Gods glory, exposed/underscored their nakedness, removed grace covering their life, their frailty, inadequacy, deficiency became properly blown when the God factor left their lives as a result of disobedience, this and many more is what sin does to anyone, sin creates emptiness and exposes same may we receive grace to live above sin in Jesus mighty name amen.

Solution to emptiness 

1 Peter 1:18-19 gives us clear solution to inherited emptiness and all other forms of emptiness as the spotless, sinless blood of Jesus, one of the several things that the precious blood of Jesus came to do is to free and cleanse us from all forms of emptiness, have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? He awaits you today.

Shalom.

Insignificant Ministry by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                    

Text: Numbers 16:1-10

Topic: Insignificant Ministry

 

This will be discussed with the following sub-headings:

Background

The Rebellion

Insignificant ministry! Wrong mindset

Characteristics of people suffering from the mentioned wrong mindset

Aftermath of rebellion

Conclusion.

 

Background

The fourth book of the bible named Numbers is basically/largely historical, one thing is however succinct via the record is the intension to show how Israel responded to God’s kindness as a struggling and imperfect people. How are responding today?...Chapter fifteen (15) starts out with God’s laws as regarding the administration of burnt offering, voluntary offering, annual festival offering amongst other offerings that was expected from the children of Israel then, the chapter then continued by stating penalty for breaking Sabbath laws and also dictating to Moses the then leader to add tassels to his garment to show that he must/cannot make laws by himself except as the Lord says since it is the Lord that brought them out of Egypt. May God help us to first offer ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice (which is pivot in His requirements from us now) and by extension release part of the good things He blesses us with in Jesus mighty name. Amen. Rom 12:1, James 1:17, Luke 6:38. 

 

The Rebellion

A Levite with the name Korah along with Dotham and Abiram rebelled against Moses and by extension God’s leadership.Vs.1.They did not do this alone, they incited others to do same it is however worrisome and questionable that those influenced are :

1.      Leaders 2.Two hundred and fifty (250). The questions keep popping:

 

Shouldn’t they know better?

Were they expecting a rebellion the records showed they dived in easily/cheapish

How did they emerge as leaders?

How good was their leadership?

 

Their emphasis in Verse 3 reveals envy, Jealousy are we better today?

 

Insignificant ministry! Wrong mindset

Moses’s first comment was a statement of total trust in God and his choice saying God will affirm His chosen vessel tomorrow as it is His prerogative to do so, DO WE STILL ALLOW GOD CHOOSE AND AFFIRM HIS CHOICE AMONGST HIS PEOPLE?

 

Moses then mentioned it while questioning who looks like the main culprit in Vs. 9, IS YOUR MINSTRY INSIGNIFICANT THAT YOU HAD TO ASK FOR MORE by implication Moses was saying:

 

1. Do you know you are also a leader of some sort?

2. Do you know the worth of your office too?

3. Are you grateful to God for His grace on you at all?

4. Do you want to have it all before God and in God?

May God us help in represent Him in well wherever He has placed us in Jesus mighty name.

 

Characteristics of people suffering from the mentioned wrong mindset

 

Ø  They are obviously not busy for and in God

Ø  Envious Of God’s grace and positioning of others Vs. 10

Ø  Rebellious vs.1

Ø  Stirs others to follow suit in their rebellion

 

Aftermath of rebellion

Death (spiritually and physically) or exiting a stage in a punitive manner Vs.31

Used as bad examples for other Vs. 40

They are dangers to their friends, associates and all their environment Vs.34-35

 

Conclusion.

 

In Gods ministry there are no insignificant ministry, some may be wrongly assumed so maybe for visibility, publicity or remuneration amongst others but it is not so, don’t forget even if Paul plants and Apollos waters the Lord alone gives increase 1 Cor. 3:6,SO LIKE Wale Adenuga will say we are all pencils in the hands of the creator. Just like it is in human body as explained by Apostle Paul in 1 Cor.12:22 the parts that seems weakest and least important are actually most necessary same suffices for ministry we are all significant change that mindset today.

 

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let them both grow together by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                  

Text: Matt 13:24-30

Topic: Let them both grow together

This will be done with the following sub heading:

Ø  Background

Ø  The night time

Ø  The enemy

Ø  Let them both grow together

Ø  Conclusion

                                                                      Background

Matthew 12:46 Jesus speaking/teaching a crowd and His mother and brothers stood outside and He was rightly informed that His mother and brothers were outside to which He clearly responded that His brothers and sisters are those who do the will of His father in Heaven vs.50 can we claim relationship with Jesus judging from the standard He set?

 Mathew 13 is a chapter of the bible that has in it six parables viz: Parable of the farmer scattering seed, Parable of the wheat and weed, Parable of the mustard seed, Parable of the yeast, Parable of the hidden treasure and Pearl, Parable of the fishing net.

 Jesus used Parables freely and quite much in His teaching ministry, majority of bible scholars believes that Jesus used around 38plus parables as recorded in unveiling divine and deep teachings, may God help us with insight and grace to apply this teachings of Christ to our daily living in Jesus mighty name Amen.

                                                                     The night time

Ø  It is a time of rest                                                       John 9:4

Ø  Evil was done at night                                               vs.25

Ø  Night is hence a time of vigilance and prayers         Luke 6:12,Gen 32:24,Matt.26:34

Ø  It should however be noted that if you have not worked well and enough during the day you do not deserve to rest, Rest is justified after a work is done and completed. Gen.2:2-3.

 

                                                                 The enemy

The bible did not mince words about who our real enemy is, the devil and his cohorts Eph.6:10-18, Psalm 143:3 he does not only do evil as perceived/known but for the fact that he displays thoughts/actions of sin, makes it attractive to man so that man may be separated from His maker both now and in eternity except for the saving arm of Jesus Christ is run to. However in line with our passage and text, there is an enemy which is can implied for today’s teaching the enemy within ,this has been rightly described as the works of the flesh. Gal. 5:19-21.   

 

Let them both grow together

 

The following can be derived from the story:

Ø  Good tolerating the bad while the bad changes while it still has the time and chance

Ø  Not replacing God by trying to get out bad people so that we won’t be termed or behave like religious bigots/terrorist.

Ø  Underscoring God’s seemingly delayed but imminent and fast approaching judgment because He is a loving but just God.

Conclusion

Whether we are ready for His imminent coming or not Jesus will still come and this time it is for judgment, be ready Matt.13:40-43.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is my neighbour? By Gbenga Aluko

                                                                             

     

Text: Luke 10:30-35

Topic: Who is my neighbour?

By

Gbenga Aluko

 

Background

The Expert in religious Law

The minister in Jesus’ story and lessons

A despised Samaritan

Conclusion

Background

Luke chapter 10 starts out with Jesus choosing and sending out seventy two (72) disciples sending them ahead to places he planned to visit, He said some succinct statements some of which are: verse 2 the harvest is great but the labourers are few so pray to the Lord who is in charge of the Harvest ask Him to send more workers into His fields. Verse 3 also has an interesting revelation that God sends us as sheep amongst wolves,it does not matter the troubles His presence and power will always be available to those He sends who He also empowers Luke 12:7, Matt. 10:30,Ps.23:4 , A study of how the disciples died confirms this when you suffer for righteousness you are blessed 1 Peter 3:14.Verse twenty also tells us that as Christians clergy and laity what should make us supremely excited is that our names are written in the book of life above and beyond all other reason. May God help us glean all the needed and eternally provided nutrients inherent in his word in Jesus mighty name.

 

The Expert in religious Law

The expert in religious law asked Jesus the question which is our focus for tonight but before he asked the question he did the following:

·         He came to test Jesus Luke 10:25,just like the earlier temptations Luke4,Matt 4,Mark 1:13ff,it should however be noted that it was customary of The Pharisees, Saducees and teachers of law to do this either directly or by proxy Matt.16:1,Mark8,Luke9:18ff,Matt.22:33ff but they have always failed. Same shall be the experience of those seeking our fail/fall for no just cause in Jesus mighty name. Amen

·         He afterwards attempted to justify his action just like his semblance in the Pharisaic prayer or self-praise exercise as recorded in Luke 18:10ff.

 

                                 The minister in Jesus’ story and lessons

 

The minsters are: The priest vs.31 & the temple assistant Vs.32.The following are some lessons drawn for the account:

·         Do not focus on activity that antagonizes/berates humanity and spirituality, the ministers may have excuses of a spiritual activity or the other they are running to catch up with. John 6:5, John 4:24.

·         Fear of negative repercussions from all corners including but not limited to the law enforcement agencies, keep all laws but more importantly be led by the spirit.Rm 13:1, @ Tim.1:7,Rom 8:15

·          Love sincerely like Jesus. John 3:16

A despised Samaritan

·         He had compassion vs 33

·         Soothed His wounds vs.34a

·         Sought for care beyond himself vs 34b

·         He took responsibility for taking further care of the man vs35

                                                Conclusion

Jesus said in verse 37 to the expert in Religious law  and by extension to us to go and do like the despised Samaritan showing sincere care for people irrespective of their origin and affiliations just as humans who may need such from us.

  

Shalom

 

 

 

 

 

Being different, making a difference by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                   

Text: Luke 23:50-53

Topic: Being different, making a difference

 

This will be done with the following sub headings:

Background

Biblical records of Joseph of Arimathea

How to make a difference

Conclusion

 

Background

The gospel according to Luke chapter number twenty three (23) starts out with the attempt by council to legitimize their evil/notorious/dastardly intention/plan/ploy by either saying statements that he didn’t say or switching the meaning of what he said, little wonder they initially had three baseless/thoughtless accusations:

ü  He told people not to pay tax Vs.2, against what he said Matt.22,Mark 12,Luke 20:20

ü  He said He is a king Vs.2

ü  He causes uproars and riots Vs.5

 

Even the earthly rulers didn’t agree or see any reason to kill Him:

ü                        Pilate   Vs. 4

ü  Herod   Vs.15

However against reason and for a reason Jesus was killed, making Him the saviour who was killed, making Him the savior who was killed without a legal reason except the mob shouting vs.23-24, was killed in company of two criminals Vs.32, A saviour whose killer does not know the real reason for His death, Jesus Christ of Nazareth the saviour of the world.   May God continually bless us via His word/son Amen.

Biblical records of Joseph of Arimathea 

The bible had the following to say about him:

1. A good and a righteous man Vs.50

2. A member of Jewish high council

3. He didn’t agree with other members of council on decision to kill Jesus Vs.51

4. Waiting for the kingdom of God to come Vs.51

5. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body, took it down from the cross wrapped it and put it in a tomb carved out of a rock. 

How to make a difference

 

ü  Know Jesus (The source and sustainer of real and lasting difference)

ü  Carry a different spirit, like David, Daniel, Joshua and Caleb

ü  Have and keep heaven focused, Jesus centric, difference making friends and mentors

Conclusion

Writer of Luke was the Greek physician named Luke Col.4:11-14 the focus of Luke was to give an accurate information about the life of Christ the biggest difference maker of all time by all standard but let us look at the very few out of the immeasurable things he changed: 

ü  He stopped: the dominion of sin, physical/bloody and expensive sacrifices, eternal separation from God our God father and creator. Rom. 6:14-23 

ü  His departure was greeted with the gift of the Holy Spirit, power for the now and over darkness and all allied forces not found in God. John 16:7

ü  A Hope for heaven. John 3:16,1 Cor.15:19

Have you met Jesus, without Him we are normal, artificial and Synthetic. He is waiting and knocking the door of your heart. Rev.3:20