Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah By Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: Gen.19:1-8

Topic: Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

By

Pastor Gbenga Aluko.

This topic will be considered with the following sub-headings:

Background to the study

Peculiarities of Sodom and Gomorrah

The virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

Factors that contributed to the reality of Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

Conclusion

 

Background

Gen 18:2ff the bible clearly points out the fact that Abraham had three divine visitors, may our lives, education, business, finance, career and ministry not lack divine visitors in Jesus mighty name amen. Abraham was hospitable not because he wanted to “use” them carry out any operation/agenda (like most of us do today) but as doing the right thing unto the Lord. These men for reasons best known to God unveiled an idea of destruction and Abraham swung to intercession, doing this in various categories for :50,45,40,30,20,10 a great and sincerely man he was a case against the Jonah-like people (wanting everyone to face Gods and our judgement without any chance of repentance), may God make us people after His heart in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

 

Gen 19:1ff clearly depicts how the angels of destruction visited the city of Sodom and Gomorrah and consequently how the wicked/satanic agents in human skin wanted to do immorality even with angels (strictness and sinfulness/being possessed really has no limit). Hence the mentioning of virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah as stated in verse 8.may God save us from beastly and wicked people in Jesus mighty name.

 

Peculiarities of Sodom and Gomorrah

 

1.Flagrant sin/sinning attitude Gen. 18:20

2.Sin that firstly attracted fire burning with Sulphur from heaven by bible record Gen.19:4

3.The city didn’t have 10 righteous people Gen 18:32, Gen 19:1 a wakeup call for us and our cities today.

4.A city made up of Homosexuals Gen 19:5ff

 

The virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

They are only referred to as Lots daughters both before the fire and after it, even after they raped their father, although it was the father’s choice to get drunk but the daughters violated their father and thereby raised one of the greatest enemy (Moabites and Ammonites) of Gods people the Israelites even though they saw and were rescued by angels. Men of God be careful and calm with every God’s grace on you/to you, no one is a successful minister yet till the sword is dropped without stain and heaven is reached as the reward.

 

Factors that contributed to the reality of Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

 

1.Godly training Gen 19:8 … I have two virgins even in Sodom and Gomorrah wasn’t premeditated and is heavy with meanings.

2.Godly models in their father Lot and mother and by extension their Uncle and maybe wife, they just parted ways. Gen 13,18:9

3.They are disciplined themselves. Matt 7:6

4.God’s grace.

 

Conclusion

God has planted you and I in different places, if where you are is made up of heaven bound people please celebrate this rare privilege and continue to work & walk in His path/step and if otherwise God expects us to stand different as His representatives in Sports, politics, education, entertainment, oil and Gas, Banking and finance and even Ministry. Be the difference you want to see, be a virgin in Sodom Gomorrah. God bless you.

God opened Hagar’s eyes by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

TEXT: Gen.21:15-19

Topic: God opened Hagar’s eyes

This will be discussed with the following sub-headings:

 

Introduction

Abram and the departure of Hagar and Ishmael

Who was Hagar

God opened Hagar’s eyes for

Conclusion

 

Introduction

Acts of the Apostle chapter number 10 documents the story of a Roman Army Officer who lived in Caesarea and the bible has the following to say about him: was devout, God fearing man, so was all members of his house, he gave generously to the poor this is a challenge to us today. God showed him a vision and in it he was told that his prayers and gifts to the poor are accepted and answered, may our prayers be answered in Jesus name. Amen. He was then instructed to send men to Joppa to the house of Simon the tanner for Simon Peter.

 

God at the same time visited Peter who was resting awaiting food to prepare him for an urgent but divinely orchestrated visit, Apostle Peter got two directives: not to call things that God has declared clean unclean, to get up and go with the men whom Cornelius sent. This lead us to a very sensitive point raised when Apostle Peter was going to address the house of Cornelius vs.34 for God is no respecter of persons this was also reiterated inn Rm.2:1. God heard Ishmael’s voice he is no respecter of persons, raises anybody to become somebody 1 Sam.2:8, Dan. 4 25ff humbles the proud king but keeps his throne because he is no respecter of persons. May God help us to continually align ourselves with Him as a sure way to avert His hammer because he is no respecter of person.

 

Abram and the departure of Hagar and Ishmael

v  Sarah as a result of Hagar’s behaviour cried to Abraham to send her(latter) and her son away. Gen21:9-10

v  Abraham was displeased with the idea Gen21:11(a call to us to be less drastic)

v  Abraham as his custom was (Gen11) surrender to God’s intervention and direction 21:12

v  He made provision for her and her son 21:14

Who was Hagar

v  She was Sarah’s Egyptian servant 16:1

v   The Mother of Abraham’s first son 16:11

v  She had a record of misbehaving to her boss without provocation 16:4,21:9 however God has this to bosses Eph.6:9 and to servants 1 pt.2:18.

v  She was a loving mother 21:6

God opened Hagar’s eyes for 

v  He is a merciful God, heard the cry of Ishmael vs.17

v  He had a good plan for him (Ishmael) vs18 same holds for all lovers of God 1 Cor.2:9

v  He was a seed of Abraham vs.13

v  All hope was lost vs.16, matt 19:26, Luke 1:37

v  To teach us many lesson part of which is solution to problems doesn’t always come from physical eyes/angle/propensity

NB our actions have consequences, albeit God forgives all actions that confession and repentance are made from, but he doesn’t most time remove the consequences. Gen16:12 is still troubling the world.

Conclusion

When God opened Hagar’s eyes she saw a well that doesn’t appear new and her son would have died of thirst if not for God’s intervention. When God opens our spiritual eyes it becomes very easy for us to be Godly and holy and fully align to things that are of God and brings eternal benefit, it is also opens us up to dimensions where we see solutions to all teething problems of our lives. May God open our spiritual eyes in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

 

Spiritual growth by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: Heb. 5:11-6:1, 2 Pet.3:17-18, Ekph. 4:14-15

This topic will be discussed with the following sub-headings:

Background

What spiritual growth is not

What is Spiritual growth

Pointers to lack of growth

Growing Spiritually: the aid/catalyst/enablers

 

Background

The book of Hebrews although has unknown/unspecified author is an organized sermon to the Jewish Christian community who was under Roman control but the book majorly warns against turning away from Christ, underscores the Superiority of Christ and the great and sacrificial death of Christ as a sacrifice for all sin.

 

A study of pretext of our main text Hebrew 5, Chapter 3 talks about the clear fact of Jesus’ supremacy over Moses Heb.3:2-4. Chapter 4 talks about the promises rest for God’s people Heb.4:1-2, the chapter ends by emphasizing Christ our High priest 4:14-15. This lesson continues in chapter 5 till verse 10 where the gear is switched to spiritual growth. May God help us to grow spiritually in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

 

What spiritual growth is not

1.It is not about age: Physical growth is cascaded and expected to be in sync with age but this is not always the same with spiritual growth. Heb. 5:12, a lot of people are growing old but not growing up.

2.It is not about achievements: accomplishments/achievements are desirable, applaud able and impressive but they are not necessarily shows/sign/dictates of a matured person. Not all big things are God’s things, not all that glitters are gold, Jesus our saviour was born in a manger, the commended offering by Jesus was just a widow’s mite. Mark 12:41-44, Luke 20:45-21:4

3.not about physical appearance: while it is wonderful to pass the eye test it is imperative/better to pass the Spirit/maturity test. God is more concerned with why we do things/our heart/intentions/motive for doing things than what is done.1 Sam16:6

4.Not Spiritual gifts/talents: it’s only the fruits of the Spirit that is really and practically useful on and for the vessel through whom it is operating, gifts of the spirit as useful and profound as they are, they are for the edification of the saints and a sign of an extension of God’s grace not a sign/show of maturity of the vessel.

 

 

What is Spiritual growth

Spiritual growth is the process of spiritual development and improvements towards the onerous goal of spiritual maturity, the bridge between spiritual infancy and maturity.Col.1:28-29. Also it is the gradual but consistent conformity to the Image, Person, Ideas and Values of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour.2 Cor.3:8, Heb.12:2.

 

Pointers to lack of growth

1.Consistent backsliding:2 Cor. 5:17, to live in Christ some things must be sincerely gone for Christ sake and only living things grow someone who is still dead in His/her sin cannot grow.

2. Strife, dissensions and division: This are clearly a case of demonic attack Mark 3:25 all the case of belonging to Paul or Apollos won’t take us anywhere we are all of God 1 Cor.3:6   or a symptom of childishness especially of spiritual things.

3.Clear and consistent show of worldliness. We are in the world not of the world there must be some clear demarcations John 17:14.

4.Irresponsibility for or to anything/anyone: one clear definition of childishness is not responsible for: feeding, clothing, housing, any payment of bills is clearly not their concern even injuries done to them they only bear the pains. Ministers are not to hate anyone but when you see someone with such tendency just classify them” people who have refused to grow spiritually”

5.Arrival mentality: people who are not yielding to any teaching/correction/instruction, they know more than everybody. Phil.3:13, Apostle Paul asserting that he does not count himself to have arrived.

 

Growing Spiritually: the aid/catalyst/enablers

 

1.It starts from the heart with a determination/decision &desire to grow 1 Pt 2:2

2.Correct Nutrition: balanced diet/dosage of God’s word, anointed books/films/songs inspired by God and delivered by His trusted hands.Matt.4:4

3. Prayer and fasting: Prayer raises one’s spiritual level, alertness in the spirit, it gives access to the deep things of God, it gives stamina to engage the devil and His cohorts.Matt.17:21

4. Infilling and refilling of and by the Spirit.

5.Quality and consistent quiet time

6.Godly associations with people who are growing.

 

God wants us to grow just as it is the prayer of every farmer for His crops, parent to children little wonder Jesus cursed the tree because it didn’t bring out what was expected of it at that time. Mark 11:14.

Leadership without blemish (Prophet Samuel a case study)

 

Text : 1 Samuel 12 :1-5

Topic : Leadership without blemish (Prophet Samuel a case study)

 

*Sub Headings:

 

* Background

* A prayer answered

* Called and Positioned by God

* Grew up in a terrible environment

* Accountable in words and deeds

* Few hints on how to live a leading life without blemish

 

Background

 

1 Sam 8 details how the children of Israel requested for a king against Gods plan and arrangement for their lives. 

v.7. Latter in that chapter  vs 10ff precisely  God warned them through Prophet Samuel about what the king would do but they were recalcitrant vs 19.Chapter  9  God elects Saul who was anointed in Chapter 10. Chapter 11  The king becomes fully operational after God gave him victory over the Ammonites, leading to the sort of valedictory/ accountability speech in  chapter 12 which is our focus Tonight.

 

A prayer answered

He was a prayer answered, Elkanah had two wives but the first wife had children while Hannah didn't 1 Sam 1:1-2.  "Situation happens the most important thing is how do we react" ?

what is your situation and how are you reacting?

Hannah prays Continually to God for a solution vs 3-7, God answered her with Samuel vs 15-19

Just to apply this a little further lets note this.

 

*Some person’s presence/ ministry/leadership or other persons exit from the same/similar scene/spot is answered prayers the choice is always ours to determine which is an answered prayer. let’s think about it

Your leadership presence or exit which do you want to be a prayer answered.

     We all know what happened when the news was announced of Abacha's death, hope we have not become abachas in our sphere of influence?

 

Called and Placed by God

 

      1 Sam 3: 1-21 with special emphasis on verses 19-21.

1 Sam 3: 19-21. God called Samuel and all Israel could attest to it and God continued to appear to give messages to Him at Shiloh. Man of God what is/are the arears that God gives message or messages to you? food for thought.

     Those not called by God or placed by God have no GRACE to fall from, they are already on the floor.

     As far as calling and positioning are concerned.

* They can't but be with scars,

* blemishes

* and injuries to themselves and

* The people they lead. It is like forcing a round peg into a square hole.

  In Ministry, Only God calls and places people in leadership, anything short of this is problem and will give birth to more problems.

 

   It should also be noted that those called and placed by God also can Fall from GRACE even as tenet 11 of CAC says, the scripture also says in 1 Sam.2: 27-36.

 

Grew up in the worst of environment 1 Sam.3: 11-14

 

*  Lived under the same roof with blasphemous children vs 13

Saw Impatience around but didn't learn it 1 Sam.2:12-17

*  Saw Immorality at close range and in high places, sleeping with women who were not their wives 1Sam.2 :22

 

*  Prophet Samuel grew up in a very horrible environment, a semblance of Sodom and Gomorrah and maybe our environment today yet he stood for God we wont have an excuse.

 

 Accountable in word and deed.

 

* The life of Prophet Samuel is a great life  to learn from, he served as a leader long enough( for most of his life) to bully everyone to silence even if he was off the track/ misbehaving yet he gave the people chance to access his leadership. A very rare action/attitude amongst leaders today.

 

He did this by:

*  Providing a platform of discussion as he was even going off the stage and indirectly rejected 1 Sam 12:1-2.

*. He asked with a sincere view to get sincere response .

v3.  possibly about his cheating, stealing, bribes and oppression.

*  He gave room for response.

*  Not just talking to make an impression or deceive/ bully people.

V 4 & 5 He didn't use his rejection as an escape root for his possible misbehavior may God help us all in Jesus mighty name.

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Few hints on how to live a leading life without blemish Gen 39:9, Ps 119:11

 

*.  Make up your mind to be without blemish as a leader. Dan.1:8,Gen 39:9

*  Always remember God (His word and Spirit should be our guide) in all decisions and interactions as a leader. Gen 39:9

*. Keep Godly companion Prov. 13:20, Prov. 11:14

*.  Pray to God for supplies & strength Ps 121:1 ff ( lack may makes a leader become the led or compromise)

*. Be accountable to people, you will earn their trust and you will know you are checked/ or will be checked someday both by God and men.

*.  don't go to debt or pay them as God blesses it is a major stain on leaders. Prov.22:7

God gives the empowerment/capacity to be without blemish but man has to start the process with a decision

      Our generation is bedeviled with selfish/demonic/self-seeking leaders ranging from political, academic, societal and unfortunately Spiritual.

 

Prayer:  God help us not to become part of the decadence of the world especially as it relates to leadership in Jesus mighty name(Amen).

Go and become a better leader in Jesus mighty name (Amen).

Life worthy of our calling

 

TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:1-3

Topic: Life worthy of our calling

 

The topic will be considered with the following headings:

Background

Our worthiness is in Him

Called by God

Living the life worthy of His calling

 Background

Our text is the first three verses of a chapter (Ephesians 4) hence the need to go the preceding chapter to get the line of discussion before our text (pre-text examination), the following nuggets are drawn from chapter 3 of Ephesians:

ü  Gods mysterious plan vs 5-6 (Jews and Gentiles who believes shares equally in in the riches available in Christ and are one body)

ü  His ultimate Purpose vs 10 to use the called out one to display wisdom, don’t forget Jesus is the wisdom of Christ 1 Chor.1:24

ü  God’s means and methodology, CHRIST. Vs 11-12

ü  Prayer for understanding and growth vs 14-19

Paul the vessel through which the book was written from the aforementioned amongst others didn’t seem to be talking to “Ministers/clergy” as we are fond of the usage today he was basically addressing children of God especially as with regards to the first three chapters, but there seems to be a change in gear from chapter four.

 In fact, a further study of the book of Ephesians reveals that the first three chapters talks about our new identity in Christ while the last three talks about administration of the church via the strength of God in UNITY.

So as much as possible we will apply to what we call CLERGY/MINISTERS OR IN OUR PARLANCE PASTORS/EVANGELIST AND LADY EVANGELIST but with the understanding that, that we were and should forever remain children of God. May we not lose this title no matter the roles we are playing in His vineyard in Jesus name Amen.

Matt 7:23 shows that it is possible to do or think you have done much in God’s name without being know and His child, but he casts them out that He doesn’t know them. May this not be our portion in Jesus mighty name Amen.

 

 Our worthiness is in Him vs 1

  The topic may raise a whole lot of questions, but before diverse questions are raised let us understand this: we do not deserve the following graces that we enjoy from God:

Salvation: Eph.2:9, Romans 5:8 (the NLT translation puts it beautifully salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done),

Service: Apostle Paul’s account Gal. 1:15-16, prophet Jeremiah’s account Jer. 1:5 before you were conceived I have ordained you, he didn’t do anything to justify his choice/election

 This fulcrum of this message is more on what we do after we have been graciously saved and called to His service, and not stating whether we are worthy of either salvation or His call WE ARE NOT WORTH IT.

 

Called by God vs 1

We are in era where loads of things/person calls people into “God’s vineyard”:

(a) some are called by men: Pastors, Parents, spiritual leaders, the devil, mentors etc.

(b) Their gifting: a release of gift from heaven is misinterpreted as call into full time ministry.

(c) Called by the circumstances that wasn’t orchestrated by God for that end.

(d) Called by God. Is.1:8

(e) Natural gifting: knowledge of musical instrument, understanding the usage computer and eloquence in communication\language among others things maybe with some men of God or in the house of God has become a call to some.

 

(The Ahab- troubler of Israel role 1 king 18:17, rebellious, disunity, destructive and ungodly roles of Ishmael/Mariam that some people are playing mayn’t be unconnected to their call, caller and sustainer)

But the call from God follows this path:

ü  Called out of darkness :1Pt 2:9, we need to depart from darkness and let darkness and all it represents leave us sincerely. (Going to the devil to get power with a view to use for the “gospel\God’s work” is either calling God stupid/liar or the devil not crafty anymore) Matt.28:18. You can’t be working for a different organization and go to another for your remuneration God is not confused we should however check ourselves, leaving darkness and darkness and all it represents leaving as a result of our complete, sincere and total yielding to and trust in God.

ü  Called to shine/show the great light: Jesus is the Light of the world John 1:4-5,8:12, and when we are totally yielded to Him and stay so we become the light by drawing from His light Matt 5:14-16.

 

Living the life worthy of His calling vs.1 & 2-3.

This means, not taking His gracious grace for granted, doing what is humanly possible to remain usable for God, dealing with the monster known as flesh so as to be useful for His glory.

ü  A life/ministry with Humility James 4:6

ü  A life/ministry that is gentle: in every of our dealings with people, especially with people who mayn’t be up to us. What could have been the explanation for Jesus’s appearance to clear Apostle Thomas doubt John 20:24-31 carefully and thoughtfully dealing with different people on different levels. 

ü  A life/ministry that is patient: we live in an era of mad rush which has crept into the church and unfortunately into the ministry. If God could wait for even snails to enter the ask even while in anger to destroy the earth, we as Christian and by extension ministers needs to pray to God for more patience especially when tensed.

ü  United in the Spirit, binding together in Love: The spirit of division is a spirit of the devil, whether it is divide them to rule them or otherwise, anyone with such attitude isn’t on God’s side. The unity of the trinity is both an example and a prayer for all children of God. John 17:21

 

May God help us to lead our lives worthy of our calling in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

 

Shalom.

 

Ministers of God: like Prisoner of war/Christ

 

TEXT: 1 COR.4:9-13

TOPIC: Ministers of God: like Prisoner of war/Christ

 

This will be done with the following sub-headings:

 

Introduction

Meanings: minister, prisoners of war

Lessons from the pretext

Prisoners of war/Christ?

Conclusion

 

Introduction

The writer of the book (1 Corinthians) is Apostle Paul, written between AD 53 and 55 in Ephesus, during Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey. The main thrusts of the book among others are presenting biblical solutions to: idolatry, struggles to stand pure, insensitivity to another’s plight, some questions that had been sent to him earlier.

 

Meanings

Minister of God: They are God’s servant Rom 13:4, vessels of God, and ambassadors of Christ 2 Cor.5:20, 1 pt.2:9.

The Ministry of the cross to which we have been signed on is all about souls, it is not ministry of finance, fame or earthly pursuit or ephemerals as some have redirected it to be. (I have not said minister who are permitted by God or have a leading and the capacity to lawfully and rightly try to have some tent making are wrong the issue is 1.COMMERCIALISING/USURPING/DRAINING/MISMANAGING GODS PEOPLE 2.IN GODS NAME)

If Jesus is our anchor/leader as minsters our pursuit of souls and impacting people positively will show it.

Prisoners of war: this word exactly is taken out of the new living translations of verse nine of our text which reads instead I sometimes think God has put us Apostles on display like prisoners of war at the end of a victors parade, condemned to die, we have become a spectacle to the entire world to people and angels alike. However prisoner of war is a person captured, relocated and probably confined after a war, unlike regular prisoners who are legally put behind bars.   

Lessons from the pretext

1. Paul and Apollo’s were models in servant hood vs. 1 what are we modelling to people today.

2. Faithfulness is a requirement of spiritual assignments vs.2

3. Imminent judgement and reward vs.5

4. Receivers not achievers vs.7

 

Prisoners of war/Christ indeed

The most important feature of any prison is confinement and the most important prayer of any prisoner is freedom so aligning in that regards minister are like prisoners of war/Christ as what we say, do, wear, people we can associate with, gatherings we can attend, (except for evangelism sake), how we can conduct our lives generally are to be censored, seasoned and in tandem with Gods will. Even when we are suffering or in problem our duties/calls overrides our feelings/emotions.Rom.8:36, Heb. 10:33.

  Ministers are forever and unconditionally attached to Christ, His will and ways 1 Cor.7:22 although at time our will may want to rear its ugly head (a case of Jesus Christ in the garden of Gethsemane Matt 26:39) but we are to continually surrender it at the cross like our master eventually did.

 

Conclusion

We (Ministers) are free in Christ but not free from him, 1 Corinthians 7:22

King James Version²² For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

 

 

Shalom.

 

 

STRATAGEM AGAINST GOD’S MESSAGE

 

TEXT: JER 18:18-19

TOPIC: STRATAGEM AGAINST GOD’S MESSAGE

 

The message will be delivered with the following headings:

Background

Meanings

What angered Judah and Jerusalem and influenced their negative reaction

The consequences

How we involve in stratagem today

Conclusion

 

Background

 

God gave another message to prophet Jeremiah and this time He sent him to the Potters shop Jer. 18:1-4, the prophet obeyed as usual and was met with a situation that what the potter made by himself didn’t turn out right and the Potter crushed it started the remaking process immediately God sent a message from same stance that since the potter destroyed what he made that did not meet expectation that if He wants to do same but there is repentance He will switch plans cease hence God’s warning in verses 8 & 9 of same passage but they took the warning out of proportion and instead of changing from evil they went deeper in it .May we be given the grace of God to heed every of His words, counsels, rebuke and warning for our own good in Jesus mighty name Amen. 

 

Meanings 

 Stratagem means trick/plan/plot 

What angered Judah and Jerusalem and influenced their negative reaction 

It was God’s stern warning against them that infuriated them (what is our reaction to rebuke today?) alas they also thought the following:

That prophet Jeremiah (who was just God’s mouthpiece) was their problem, nope their evil and wickedness was vs.11

The thought they could kill the truth/reward/rewarder for their wickedness, since they were not ready and willing to repent Vs.12 & 18

They thought they could replace Prophet Jeremiah that they did not call, ordain or send with a message. V.18, Jer. 1:5, Jer. 18:1

The consequences 

(a)    They were cursed with various serious level calamity which extends beyond them Jer. 18:21-22

(b)   Prayers was said against them that their sins will not be forgiven vs.23

      (c) Prayer was said against them that God should deal with them in His anger vs.23

How we involve in stratagem today

(a) Speaking ill of God’s message and messengers, Mariam Numbers 12:1-10

(b)Avoiding and distracting or preventing others from receiving Gods word. Elymas the Sorcerer Acts 13:8-11.

(c) Plotting to physically kill/off tract Gods messenger/message Saul Acts 9:23-24,29ff.

(d) Speaking other messages in God’s name

(e) Not carrying Gods spirit before attempting to speak/interpret God’s word, Ethiopian eunuch and Philip Acts 8:30 do you understand what you are reading?  Response how can I…. John 14:26 the Holy spirit teaches all things.

Conclusion

 

 God’s word is God personality extended John 1:1 says in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. Anything done against God’s word is done against God. Don’t put yourself in a position of fight against God ,its kicking against the prick Acts 9:5-6  and  it will never end well be guided.