Led by the Spirit into the wilderness

 

Text: Luke 4:1-13

Topic: Led by the Spirit into the wilderness

 

The topic will be considered with the following sub headings:

Background

Conceived by the Spirit

Endued with the Spirit

Led to the wilderness

Closing notes

Background

The book of Luke was written by Luke who scholars refers to as a Greek physician, the book is seen as volume one of the two books he wrote the other being Acts of Apostle, and it was also agreed that he wrote based on personal investigation of eyes witness report of the life of Jesus amongst other details and sources, the books were written to Theophilus then but to all the world now.

The early chapters of the book details a little introduction on the book chapter one verses one through four(Luke 1:1-4), the birth of John the Baptist was prophesied, same experience with Jesus but both was by angels, these prophesies came to fulfillment, Jesus was born then taken to the temple, John the Baptist began to prepare the way for Jesus, chapter three from verses twenty one (Luke 3:21 ff )Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist after which a brief genealogy of Jesus was done before the eventual chapter of reference for today (chapter four),it was an experience that happened immediately Jesus was baptized as recorded in our chosen text, may we live to fulfill all divine/heavenly prophecies hanging over us (in all spheres)and on/about all that is ours in Jesus mighty name.  Amen.

Conceived by the Spirit 

Every human that had lived (asides Adam and Eve that were created Gen 1:26-2:22), that is living were/are products of biological relationship between man and woman (no matter how improved/improvised or scientific we have made it these days) this case is uniquely different, as prophesied/revealed by the angel in Luke 1:35, Matt 1:20 which says “the Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the most high will overshadow you”. Mary was engaged to Joseph but by Heaven’s calendar and favour baby Jesus was divinely, miraculously put in her stomach Luke 1:26-27.

To further underscore this is the discreet decision of Joseph to put Mary away with the feeling/thoughts that Mary had a secret sex mate as she was found pregnant with an engagement to him and without sex with him Matt. 1:18-20 but for the divine and angelic intervention the engagement would have been broken silently. Don’t always be looking for escape from all supposed cheatings, go to God remember Jacob in Laban’s house, it is usually very painful but find a way to hear from God please.

Who says our greatness in God, child birth ,ministerial growth pattern, financial blessing, ministerial expansion, promotion at the place of work, business expansion and explosion, travelling abroad or any other thing that our heart desires in line with Gods purpose for our lives must follow a given/specific/humanly formula/model/trend or pattern of people who have gone ahead of us (this is not to encourage laziness of any sort especially those not knowing deeply and keenly the scientific amongst other intricacies of a venture, spiritualizing lack of depth and requisite knowledge maybe with prayers and fasting or even consulting mediums of any sort as the main/only work they do….no no ).

The conception of Jesus wasn’t normal, look unto Jesus, respect and learn from other’s especially those accomplished in arrears you are still working on, follow God whole heartedly/without any reservations, pray to God alone for accomplishment.Heb.12:2, God will use that case to surprise people and start a new model/theory of reference in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Endued by the Spirit

The scripture in John 3:34 clearly tell us that Jesus doesn’t only have the spirit of God but He had it even while in human form without measure, in a degree/at a level no other person/human hadn’t and will not have. After His baptism Luke 3:21 the scriptures says that the heavens opened and the Holy spirit in a bodily form of a dove descended upon Him and He was commended as a son who brings great joy to God. Jesus also received affirmations of being from God at the transfiguration experience as the scriptures says in Luke 9:35 ff, Mark 9:7ff, Matthew 17:5ff. Jesus was not only conceived by the Spirit he was endued while on earth and the source of the Spiritual endowments/strengthening was clearly known in the earlier verses of our text and corroborated via the commendations from God.

Led to the wilderness, to be tempted by the devil

Must Jesus be tempted by the devil? What did he gain from the temptation? Is Jesus really God? Must he be directed to the wilderness?

The wilderness not a village at all where most of us will fight with all we have, can call and can borrow to avert, underscoring the recent ile to teju (fertile land),ibi tima ti ri salary gba (locations where my salary will be constant and maybe fat too, all in the words of our highly revered president at the Inauguration of Sophia Ajayi Regional headquarters and induction of her maiden Regional Superintendent. If we must fulfill mandate in ministry we must do it in God’s way, at His pace, following His process. And all this may not be all palatable/attractive/lucrative, our preacher last week (on SOTS a whats app platform majorly for minister where God’s word is taught weekly) mentioned that God blesses those He had worked on underscoring that God takes people through His process. If you cut corners at any point you have short-circuited God and His provisions for you as you have looked to the hills and will continue to do that except you repent. Jesus stood for something far too important not to be opposed or hampered or disturbed by the devil himself, if we are for Christ and doing something for His course we will be buffeted by the devil, Jesus’ experience is a model for us. God’s spirit directed God’s son to the wilderness to be tempted by God’s enemy-THE DEVIL. Are we better than Jesus?

Closing notes

The fact that you are having it all sweet in ministry is not a sign that God is leading you all the way, Jesus didn’t have all like that, Moses ran from home for forty years, Paul had a thorn in His flesh 2 Cor. 12:7, Jeremiah was named a weeping prophet, all the Apostles died in not a palatable form, if we are in the ministry by God’s calling and for His sake and are still with Him in spirit and truth and He brings a sweet experience lets enjoy it while it last but in abstemiousness.

SHALOM

THE TEETH OF THE STRONG LIONS SHALL BE BROKEN BY PST. GBENGA ALUKO

 

Text: Job 4:7-11

Topic: The Teeth of the strong lion shall be broken

 

We shall have this study with the following sub headings:

·         Background to the study

·         Who made the statement

·         Implications or reference from the statement

·         Conclusion

Background to the study

Jewish tradition has it that Moses was the human vessel used by the Holy Spirit to write the book of Job 2 Tim.3:16, Job was introduced amongst other things as a man who was blameless, (just like Daniel too Dan 6:5) a man with integrity, a man who feared God and stayed away from iniquity Job 1:2.if our lives are placed under the screening of the Holy Spirit what will He have to say about us?

Three of his friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zopher travelled down from their destinations with the intention to console and comfort him Job 1vs.11 (but alas two of them ended up doing something else) painfully they even didn’t recognize him initially as he was out of class, colour he was a shadow of himself. (Exactly the opposite of the story that climaxed in John 9:9) They spent seven days with him but couldn’t utter a word for seven days alleging that his suffering was too great for words 2:13.May we not have sufferings too great for words and may we receive grace to bear whatever suffering (whether for our faith, carelessness or cluelessness and others) that we are going through in Jesus mighty name Amen.

Who made the statement

It was Eliphaz one of Jobs three friends who made the statement and he was talking as a response to Jobs statements.

Implications or reference from the statement

·         It was a revelation of Eliphaz’s hidden thoughts about Job, and false thoughts usually leads to wrong accusations and actions Job 4:7-11, 5:3 even when God has a different account and verdict about him Job 1:2,God regretted creating man owing to his evil thought amidst other wicked and evil nature Gen.6:6 no wonder God had to tell him to pray for his friends Job 42:8,this evil tendency and trend hasn’t stopped watch and pray is what Jesus said.

·         It is a statement which means that the wittingly wicked will be punished by God, Prov.11:21.

·         It is a prayer point for our God to come in His justice based dimension and expedite judgment on all the wicked and wicked assaults against our life, careers, business, family, education, ministry and all other spheres of our lives and so shall it be in Jesus mighty name amen.

·         It’s also a statement which also connotes that wicked leaders and leadership will be judged by God even in what is their base/strength and source of power the teeth, as lion is the king of the jungle, applying to al circles of wicked leadership and leader who refuses to repent  psalm 58:1-6

 

Conclusion

The wickedness we don’t stop will eventually stop us both here on earth and from reigning with Christ, there is still a fountain filled with blood from Emmanuel’s vein, stop all forms of wickedness and Jesus will accept and change your life for the better. He loves you and is waiting for you. Shalom

Has my arm lost its power by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                           

Text: Numbers 11:16-23

Topic: Has my arm lost its power

 

The Complainers

A cursory look at Numbers chapter 10 reveals (the preceding chapter when compared with our reference for this message) that the Lord provided laws and models with which the children of Israel settles and breaks camps and also details how they left Sinai en-route the promise land, the attending travelling stress, God’s stipulation as aforementioned and their unbroken nature may have caused their complaints in vs. 1 of chapter eleven like they also did for Manna Ex.16:1-4, are we better today?

This attitude however did not go unpunished Numbers 11:1, the people immediately communicated to Moses who interceded for them when they were judged for this misbehaviour with fire and when he did, God stopped the fire but they had casualties, don’t make God fight you, anyone who does make Him livid always have great casualties be warned. Are we already having any fire from sins and its consequence’s, Satan and his cohorts, self and its delusion? run to Jesus today, His name is a strong tower Prov.18:10.

The craving of the foreign rabble

Num.11:4 underscores a set of people as foreign rabble/rabbles/mixed multitude as rendered by different versions of the scripture who began to crave for their freedom in the plate or free food that they claimed to have enjoyed in Egypt(till today prisoners and slaves don’t pay for food but they don’t have a life talk alone freedom). They loved their chains at the expense of freedom, God’s: plan, purpose and efforts on them, and they influenced some Israelite on this inglorious venture what a people? Are you not a rabble/mixed multitude? Do you know God’s law and keep them so as to be His child as detailed in John 15:14 otherwise we are rabbles, ruminate about this.

 

Moses’ outburst and Divine instructions

Moses was human just as we are, he became fired up or tensed by the continuous misbehaviour of the children of Israel that he was graced to lead and he made some comments some of which are: did I give birth to these people, why will you permit me to continue to bear the burden of this people, how will I carry/lead them to the land your promised them, he even pleaded with God to kill him. Num. 11:11-15.

Our God the omniscience and omnipotent, knowing all things and having all power responded to Moses’s outburst with some instructions viz:

3.1 Gather seventy Elders and Leaders before me vs. 16

3.2 I will take part of my Spirit on you and put on them vs.17 for capacity, what qualifies anyone to work for God or really do anything worthwhile in God’s kingdom/vineyard and in this corrupt world is the capacity that His Spirit generates/creates and maintains. God’s and godly work will never require any Spirit/capacity not found in Him.

3.3 To tell the people to purify themselves for meat which will run/served to them continuously for one month vs.18-20

Calculating God

The meat that God promised the children of Israel for one full month, having a fair estimation of the number of people with him on their journey troubled Moses and he gave voice to his doubt, however note that the mind of any man is too small to put together the ways, capacity and workings of God. He then retorted I have 600,000 foot soldier and this does not include those who are not Soldiers, females and children, if we kill all our flocks and herds and all fishes in the sea IT WONT BE ENOUGH, he was asking HOW WILL THIS THING BE just like Mary in Luke 1:34 and Zechariah in Luke 1:18.  

God’s second and powerful response

HAS MY ARM LOST ITS POWER, the arm that was against the Egyptian and afflicted them with 10 unrivalled and historic plaques has my arm lost its power?, the arm that made Moses and the Israelite go through the red sea on a dry land and the same sea swallowed their enemies who tried to follow them has my arm lost its power? The arm of the Lord that provided manna for the children of Israel in the wilderness has that arm lost its power? The Lord that took care of a people for forty years and their cloths and sandals did not wear out Deut. 29:5 has that arm lost its power?....

Prayers for Nigeria

God let your arm rise up in judgment against anyone that is anti-Christ and anti-peace in Nigeria, let them face your stern judgment in Jesus mighty name Amen.

Deceived but was punished by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                       

               

Text: 1 kings 13:20-25

Topic: Deceived but was punished

This will be treated with following sub-heading:

1. Rehoboam refused Godly counsel

2. Jeroboam’s insecurity, greed coupled with bad counsel led him to idolatry

3. God sent a message to Jeroboam

4. Deception prevailed

5. God’s punishment

Rehoboam refused Godly counsel 2Kings 12:7-8

Rehoboam was the son of the wise; writer, king, administrator per excellence and the great life coach king Solomon and he also became a king too by God’s grace even against his father’s wish at some point who wanted him killed 1king 11:40.The king’s refusal to accept Godly counsel via the elders was his undoing as he failed right in front of the gathering/meeting meant to crown him but needed to know his plan/program/intention for the masses 1king12:1-8.And this refusal had consequences, Some of which are:

1.1  The nation was broken when it was his turn to reign: Northern and Southern Israel

1.2   Evil prophesy over David’s lineage as caused by King Solomon’s idolatry began its fulfillment on him 1 king 11:31-35, 1 king12:19, like Samson and Judas Iscariot. Ten tribes given to king Jeroboam

1.3  He tried to fight the consequences of his father’s idolatry and His own refusal to Godly counsel but God rebuked him and thanks that he yielded.1kings12:21-24.Are we not fighting/managing the consequences of our recalcitrance instead of coming to God with confession and resolve to forsake 2 Chro.7:14

Jeroboam’s insecurity, greed coupled with bad counsel led him to idolatry

Can anyone by his/her strength, administrative acumen, scientific capacity coupled with warfare technology protect what God gave him by His grace while abandoning same God?

One of the greatest problem that any leader can have is insecurity, king Jeroboam who got ruler ship/kingship on a platter of gold even displayed this weakness and to worsen his already bad case he added bad counselors whose counsel he followed to it.1 kings 12:26.

Not only did he sin, led Israel to sin, he attempted instituting a festival 1 king 12:32, what an effrontery! Are we any better today?

God sent a message to Jeroboam

God will not condone sin forever, especially when it is a sin of a leader of His people, leading sin (leader’s sin is a leading sin) hence God sent His messenger to king Jeroboam with signs 1 king 13:1-5.

King Jeroboam attempted to fight God’s message to him by stretching forth his hands and saying seize that man, an act he regretted instantly as God fought for His messenger but he was again saved by grace 1king 13:6. An encouragement  to all God’s servant, we are to continue to do so without fear as He who sent us will always be with us if we continue to do what pleases Him. John 8:29.

Deception prevailed

The man of God popularly known as the young prophet was a man of God indeed, not only did God send him important message but he also successfully conquered what has and is still conquering a lot of minister:  

Come to the palace with me ===== fame

Have something to eat========= food

I will give you gifts=========== money/wealth/gifts

He further responded that not even half of everything the king had can derail him/his ministry 1 king 13:8,he was however trapped/deceived by trust of “men of God” he wrongly fell for the thus said an angel by an “experienced man of God”, he forgot or neglected God’s instruction or message to him, he was deceived in God’s name/angels name by a supposed man of God 1king 13:17-18 are we not deceiving people in God’s name? May we receive grace never to be such or repent from such in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

God’s punishment

What a mighty God we serve, the young prophet was purnished with an awful death as prophesied by the same man who deceived him 1 kings 13:18, 20-22.May we receive wisdom and discernment never to fall for any deception of any sort in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Shalom

 

Why are you crying? by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                           

Text: 1 Sam.1:1-8

Topic: Why are you crying? 

The topic will be considered using the following sub-headings:

1. Some reasons Hannah cried

2. What she did afterwards

3. The test

4. Gods response

Some reasons Hannah cried

The topic was a question asked in the scripture 1Sam.1:8, a question from Hannah’s husband Elkanah to her, but in the segment we are poised to study her reasons (amongst others) for crying as it can also cause same today but for proper alignment to, focus on, faith in Him and His word 1Pt.5:7 and a great dose of grace to know and properly appropriate Rom.8:28 which says all things works together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. She cried because:

 

1.1  Her husband had two wives, shared: love, attention, rivalry of all sorts vs.2a

1.2  She did not have her own children just yet and as a human being she was perplexed vs.2b

1.3  She was taunted vs.5&6

Other reason that can make people cry today:

1.4  Pains, Hurts, betrayals, health, lack, loss: of love ones, jobs, business, profits e. t. c. Jesus calls to you today Matt. 11:28. Which says come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest from all your tears and woes.

What she did afterwards

It is never enough to cry, at times humanly speaking avoiding tears maybe impossible even Jesus while here had his fair share John 11:35,what is more important is what one does even after the tears, let take a brief look at what she did after her cry:

 

2.1 She went to Shiloh,vs.9 God’s house/place/God’s abode, a lot of people have been lured into, hurriedly/emotionally taken routes/solutions that attracts eternal regret and damnation after a little tear/cry, don’t join them. In it already? God can still deliver you even now Is.1:18, Rev.3:20

2.2 She prayed earnestly/bitterly vs.10, our God doesn’t reject being told our frustrations, shame, sin and woes, and also laying it bare while sobbing, have you told Him yours? You are totally safe with Him.

2.3 She had a specific request, give me a son Vs.11

2.4 She had faith vs. 17&18

The test

Test/trials of faith can come from anywhere/anyone, not minding her already bad situation, she was accused wrongly from an unexpected person, Priest Eli, not to offend her or as an act of wickedness but because he hadn’t seen that dimension of grief powered/mode of prayer before (with all his priestly experience) he took her for and called her a drunkard, we all have our limitations. She however handled the situation with meekness and that earned her a prayer which God answered and she birthed her first Son and one of the finest prophet in Israel vs.17. May God grant us more patience and maturity to handle issues not minding our situation/condition in Jesus mighty name Amen.

God’s response

God answered her prayers, He honoured and answered the prayers of His servant Eli and granted her a son Vs.20, her cries turned into laughter, and she was also given a new song 1 Sam.2:1ff, May we all have new songs in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

 

Shalom.

 

I saw the Lord by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: Isaiah 6:1-5

Topic: I saw the Lord

The topic will be studied with the following sub-heading:

The Lord’s vineyard

Isaiah was the prophet

What Isaiah saw a yardstick for us today

How to prepare to see the Lord

We shall all see Him

The Lord’s vineyard

The Lord chose Israel especially as His beloved Is.5:1 although this is poetically documented in this verse, Gen 12:1ff has a semblance of God’s gracious call and selection of race (Israel, although Israel was still in Abraham loins), The Lord did not stop there but ploughed the land (their land), cleared the stones (debris), planted it/her (established them), built a watch tower (securing them) and just like every farmer /an investor is expecting an harvest, he was disappointed, the grapes that grew were bitter vs.2.  The Lord placed you where you are for a reason, gave you all you have got for a reason,skills,talent,gifts,capacity,connection,money,positions,relationships are for a reason, are we not disappointing Him like the Israelites did ? Gen.6:6, Luke 19:11-27, Matt.25:14-30

Isaiah was the prophet

Isaiah was the Prophet that wrote the book of Isaiah and a few verses from a chapter (chapter 6) of the book was chosen as our text and he (Prophet Isaiah) was the one that saw the Lord in the passage which we are inspired to study today Is.6:1ff may the Lord give us understanding of His words in Jesus mighty name. Amen

What Isaiah saw a yardstick for us today

3.1 He saw Gods mightiness, orderliness and glory vs.2-4

3.2 He saw his sinfulness vs.5 one of the clear signals that someone hasn’t seen God is a bold life of sinfulness, which has become fashionable/fashion today.

3.3 He saw God’s graciousness, readiness and provision to forgive any sinners that confesses and repents vs.6

3.4 He saw opportunity to serve and looked for a way to fit into God’s vineyard vs.8, you can’t sincerely see God and be an onlooker or be indifferent with the things of God.

3.5 He spoke and acted as God’s oracle Vs.9, you can’t correctly represent correctly a God you haven’t seen or thoroughly known. Acts 19:15

How to prepare to see the Lord

The Lord visits those that are prepared and are expecting Him Luke 2:25-32, albeit being God there are other times that He graciously deals with His people, with favour they are not expecting or are not worthy of or both. However it is better to be prepared to see Him, even God desires that we prepare to meet Him. Ex. 19:9-10.Amos 4:12.The following is just two out of the many ways to prepare to see the Lord:

 

4.1 Holiness Heb. 12:14

4.2 being in the Spirit Luke 2:25ff

We shall all see Him

Just like the farmer who came but discovered that the grapes were bitter in Vs.2 of our text, The Lord is without doubt coming back to the world, His sons and daughter who are alive till He comes or who dies in Him will be raptured and caught up to Him respectively 1 Thess. 4:16-17.The same cross on which he died will be changed to sword in His hands to judge the world, some will be having a good time with Him while some will be facing eternal doom/destruction and damnation depending on what they do with/to Him now John 3:16. Receive Jesus today He is the key to eternal life and bliss.

 

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

Divine Instruction a requirement for a fruitful ministry by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                

Text: Ex.35:4-10, 40:34-38

Topic: Divine Instruction a requirement for a fruitful ministry

 

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

Background

Moses relating God’s instruction

The Aftermath

Other means/attempts at fruitful ministry

Conclusion

 

Background

 

The second book of the bible known as exodus was written by Moses according to Jewish traditions and it details how the children of Israel were delivered from captivity although with mighty works done by God. Ex.5:2- 12:33

 

God had always programmed, deserved and wanted worship Ex.20:2-6,Matt.4:10b,fellowship Gen.3:8,relationship and communion with His people are we still interested and investing all that is requisite to the worship and communion with the only living God?

Little wonder the instruction for a physical Tabernacle which was from Him Vs.4,10-11 to serve the aforementioned purpose and more, may God expose us to more of Him, His service, Instructions, provision, fulfillment in all spheres and even in ministry in Jesus mighty name, Amen.

 

Moses relating God’s instruction

 

Moses not too long had just relayed the Ten Commandments to the children of Israel Exodus 20:1ff, then recently unveiled God’s instruction for Sabbath Ex.35:1-3, he then related GOD’S INSTRUCTION cum request from HIS PEOPLE.Vs.4 & 10.

God wanted: HIS PROVISIONS in the custody of His people: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Blue, and Purple etc. Vs.5-9 HIS GIFTINGS on HIS PEOPLE vs.10.does he still ask for this today? What is our disposition to His asking if yes?

 

This are some of the most important instrumentality for ministry: materials, money, men (men whose skill and grace are from God and will be deployed for the masters’ use and glory alone) albeit the devil in His craftiness also lays baits and corrupts these: the process for acquisition or as a product in totality, for example money and materials gotten via ungodly and illegitimate means will never be acceptable to God even if a church accepts same/or otherwise, in the same vein, persons not sanctified do not have holy hands to lift up to our holy God who will not reduce His stance for anyone or anything, “ be ye holy for I am holy”, Cain and Abel Gen.4:1ff are worthy illustration. Moses was sent to the children of Israel God’s people.

 

The Aftermath

Ø  He was initially deserted Vs.20

Ø  God stirred His people for His work vs.21a it is not hard to know God people when His work is ongoing.

Ø  They willingly brought ALL that was needed vs.21b & 23

Ø  All the skilled people yielded their Gifting’s/Skill to God Vs.25,26,36:8ff

 

Other means/attempts at fruitful ministry

 

Hypnotism/occultism means and methods: this involves but is not limited to control of the weak sheep’s against their consent, burying things underneath the pulpit and pew, usage of human blood and body parts etc. In a bid to get the devil’s/their work which they label as God’s work to be fruitful. (All for the crowd and the crowns).

 

Manipulation in God’s name: Gehazi manipulated Naaman in  Elisha’s name 2kings 5:20-27 and He put himself and descendants in trouble, how come we are this daring to do same in God’s name and without any fear/remorse, where is God’s awe?

 

Copying what other churches and members are doing: can we say all the 100k capacity and more auditoriums around us are God’s and Godly instruction, the new ideas, models and methods ravaging the 21^st and 22^nd century church, can we say same of them?

 

Conclusion

God’s provisions, gifting’s are always around/located, tied, attracted by & to, sequenced to His instructions Gen 26:3, 4, 12 &13, If God instructs us to go on a mission, He will make all that we may need available for our fruitfulness and Success, this may not be at our time and method because He is not limited by all human capacity, cascading and potentiality. Please await and follow His instructions in all your endeavors.

 

Shalom.