The gates opened on their own accord by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                      

                       Text: Acts 12:1-10

                       Topic: The gates opened on their own accord

This will be done with the following sub-headings:

Herod streched his hands

Continuous evil needs support

God is always on time

replicating same feat today

                         HEROD STRECHED HIS HANDS

Acts 11:1ff gives a summary of the grace of salvation and that of the infilling by the Holy spirit that was graciously extended even unto the gentiles as narated by Apostle Peter,this was however done to calm the frayed nerves of the other Apostles who were infuriated about the former's eating with the Gentiles,but God is no respecter of persons Acts 10:28b He deals with humans especially in the new testament based on the condition of our heart,His investment in us,His grace that is speaking in,on and for us amongst others but not with repect to origin,culture or language.

Same chapter of the scriptures shows great conversions of soul unto the only way Acts 11:21 and also an important prophecy of an impending famine from Prophet Agabus.Since according to the scripture, there is joy in heaven over one sinner that is saved Luke 15:7,it safe to say the reverse is the case with the devil and his cohorts over several sinners who comes to the saving grace of the Lord.This can be further attested to by the introductory verse of chapter 12 as all hell was let loosed against the believers using the available and yielded vessel King Herod.Acts 12:1

                 CONTINUOUS EVIL NEEDS SUPPORT

Just like a lie cannot stand alone in the long run, it needs more lies to continue the shameful cycle of delusion and self deceit, same suffices for evil,any evil that is pervading has heavy support ,this will be totally unraveled if carefully placed under the lens of the Holy Spirit.

king Herod is clearly demonic ,evil and ungodly as he unilaterarily took decisions/gave directives that anihilated James Acts 12:2 ,but according to the scriptures what made him bold or more entrenched in his demonic escapade was the applause of the Jews vs.3.Evils doers and supporters should clearly know that whatever they sow they will reap on earth and also give account to God.If Aithophel had got the requisite support(ers) like the Jews did for Herod king David would not only have been dethroned he would have been killed,thank God for God,His Spirit,His wisdom and David's prayer 2 Sam.15.please dont be evil or be an encouragement to evil it had never paid of well. 

                    GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME

2 kings 4:1-2 says a woman came crying to Elisha that her husband whom she described as thy servant to Elisha is dead not only that creditors are already making plans to come take her sons as bondmen since their exposure to the family hasnt been sorted,God via His prophet saved the day,a child of God doesnt totally become stranded he/she may/will have fair share of test/trainings from/permitted by God but GOD NEVER FAILS,HE NEVER ABANDONS THOSE WHO TOTALLY TRUSTS IN HIM AND ARE WALKING IN HIS WAYS,are you part of them?

           HOW TO REPLICATE SUCH FEAT TODAY

1. Be His disciple vs.1 the onslaught was against God's children and the rescue mission was also for them.vs.1

2.Be a person of prayers that is backed up with the word in line with His will,the bible didnt record that Peter prayed but it clearly records that the church prayed without ceasing.vs.5

3.Trust in His saving power only.Apostle Peter trusted and had surrendered all to God little wonder he could sleep even amidst soldiers and in the inner segment of the prison.vs.6

4.Be obidient to divine instruction,ideas,directives, what would have happened had Peter disobeyed the angel.

May God teach us and give us grace to be obedient to all that will make all closed doors to open for us even on their own accord this year and always in Jesus mighty name.

Amen and Shalom.

The greatest gift and the attending awe by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                      

                                         

                              Text: Luke 1:29-34, 2:34-35

                            The greatest gift and the attending awe

This will be done with following subheadings:

Background

The greatest gift to human

The awe

The conclusion

                             BACKGROUND

The gospel according to Luke was written by Doctor Luke a Greek Physician and the focus as stated was to give accurate information about the life and the direct experience that he had of/with Jesus.Luke 1:1-4.The book begins with the prophecy about the birth of Jesus' fore runner John the baptist then to that of Jesus the rave of the moment,the reason for the season, do you know him,does he know you?

                      THE GREATEST GIFT TO HUMAN RACE

its important to highlight few reason it is safe/in order to say He is the greatest gift to all humanity:

He is a gift of God/from God: John 1:1 ff clearly establishes that Jesus is God and that He came to this undeserving world,John 16:28 in this scripture Jesus states that He came from God,who gives a gift most times determines the value/importance of that gift,if God now chooses to give a gift then we can be sure it is the greatest gift.

His mission is great: Matt. 1:21 clearly tells that Jesus came to settle the issue of sin,no other thing/person has the capacity to settle the issue of Sin for all being and all at once like Jesus did,then He is the greatest gift to all humanity.

His conception is without rival:Luke 1:35 says clearly how strange His conception will be,the Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the most High will overshadow Mary His mother,against the usual norm of biological interaction between man and woman, this is without rival till date,He is for sure the greatest gift.

His birth was greeted by angelic choir: Luke 2:13-14 tells about angelic choir on earth,heralding and saluting king Jesus on His human arrival on earth. 

                                  THE AWE

The scriptures introduces Prophet Simeon in the scriptures Luke 2:1ff as one who is righteous,devout and who has the Holy spirit indwelling in him,if you and I are to come under the measuring guage of the Spirit of God what would be the revelations? 2Tim.3:16, The following are a few of the scintillating ripples or joyful confusion that was created by the greatest gift to the world,Jesus.

A virgin being pregnant: It is easy to relate with this now,but there and then it was uneasy to deal with, a young virgin espoused to a young man discovered she is going to be/was with a child this sincerely was a concern.

causing a lot to fall: the birth,ministry and departure of Jesus Christ from this sinful world caused,is causing and will continue to cause lots to fall two of which are: darkness and all they represent John 1:5,the lacuna,distance between us and God which was physically represented with what happened in Matt.27:51 fell never to rise again giving us direct access to God Halleluyah.

The deepest thoughts of the heart will be revealed: Jesus knowing all things at different times revealed the intension of the heart,and even the holy Spirit which he promised and did send is a revealer of secret and hidden things,and from the time of Jesus plotting against someone even by supposed believers/teachers of the law/Pharisees/Saducees and scribe who were supposed to be custodians of Gods law was revealed,wickedness and weakness even in the hearts of people in the tabernacle/temple became revealed.

A sword will pierce your very soul:This is because Jesus against the believe in most quarters isnt going to live long enough to bury you his mother,he hasnt come to live in duration but in donation, he may not live long but he has come to create an impact/a system/process and children that will be forever .

                            CONCLUSION

The gift of Jesus created some positive discomfort which was due to His person, assignment,human nature,human undertstanding amongst other factors beyond us but when we take a look at our lives today,in our homes,offices,society and our celebration of Christmas are we not creating another confusion for people as there may be distortions between our actions,inactions,lives and that expected of a Christian,lets represent christ well from now and for the rest of our lives as He sees and will reward all deeds.Rev.20:12

Shalom

Zedekiahs in Ministry by Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: 1 kings 22:10-12 & 24

Topic: The Zedekiah"s in Ministry 

This exhortation will be done with the following sub -headings:

A.Background

B.Kings: Jehoshapat and Ahab an unholy alliance

C.Zedekiah the false prophet and his undoings

D.Conclusion

Background

There is a scholarly debate still ongoing  about the author of first and second kings.However God is the inventor and controller of history,the books shows that only God establishes kings that will fullfill destiny,serve the people well and bring glory back to Him.Also the books established the fact that God derserves and commands obedience from His creatures via the analogy of the lives of godly and ungodly kings and their respective rewards.

Kings: Jehoshapat, Ahab an unholy alliance 

a.King Ahab was king of Israel while Jehoshapat was king of Judah, remember the kingdom was split before the reign of King Solomons son into two Israels north and Judahs south 1 Kings 12:15ff.

b.King Ahab had 400 fake prophets who prophesises what pleases him but Jehoshapat sensed they are not speaking the truth totally and representing God correctly vs 6-8

c.king Ahab had hos cup of evil full and heaven permitted a lying spirit from heaven, 1 King 21:1ff Naboths vineyard is amongst many evils done while king Jehoshapat was just in a bad company and almost paid with His life 1 King 22:22 any lessons on association?

Zedekiah: The false prophet

There are two major Zedekiah's mentioned in the scripture.

One is the twentieth and last king of Southern kingdom 2 King 24-25, he was a vassal of Babylon( renamed and enthroned by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon) hence he was loyal to him he however was warned twice by Prophet Jeremiah but he did not heed, he suffered for it greatly Jer.34 & 37.

We are not focusing on that Zedekiah for tonight but on Zedekiah the false prophet, we will just study his deeds and misdeeds, apply same to todays ministry and attempt to learn salients lessons from it.

* he made for himself horns of irons vs.11 trying to make himself and imitating acts of genuine Prophets Deut 33:17 Moses blessing and Prophesying Israel.

*lying on God and His Spirit and as such ill advising king Ahab 1 king 22:11& vs.24

* dangerously daring and reckless, slapped a genuine man of God for nothing 1 king 22:24

*openly opposing the genuine prophet even when he knows he is fake vs.23&24

Conclusion 

It is rather unfortunate that the two major Zedekiah's mentioned in the scripture are not good examples to follow,what kind of minister are we? It is a matter of time we will soon become history but will our memory be a lesson or blessing may God help us all.

Shalom. 

Merry Christmas and a happy new year in advance.

The great commission by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: Matt.28:18-20

Topic: The great commission 

This topic will the considered with the following headings:

Background to the study

Disciples make disciples

New Disciples are to be taught

He will be with us all the way

The reason for the refusal to the great commission

Conclusion

 

Background to the study 

The gospel according to Matthew who was the son of Alphaeus a tax collector, he by grace of God turned a disciple of Christ and via the inspiration of the Holy Spirit documented the book of reference (Matthew) between AD 60 & 75.Central to the book is Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of heaven Matt 4, 13, 17, 18, etc. what is central to our life, actions and even teachings today?

Chapter twenty eight of Matthew which has our anchor text starts out with the account of activity on resurrection morning, the great earthquake, the angelic visitation, the rendering impotence of the guards on duty to keep the sepulcher, and the reminder for the earlier scheduled meeting in Galilee, then Jesus’ physical appearance and assurance. May we not take this great sacrifice for granted in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Disciples make disciples 

Jesus commissioned and commissions his disciples not those that are against the gospel, not the Pharisees/Sadducees and Teachers of the law who were always at loggerhead with God’s course, are they still around today? Yes, Matt.28:19, you can’t be a discipler without first being a disciple. Jesus trained the people he called from various backgrounds till they became disciples/apostles and strong enough to run such great errands and then He sent them. 

 Jesus trained them well and widely, by His example, teachings, demonstrations, in public and private (a model for today’s teachers) and afterwards sent them to wait/tarry to receive the promise of the Father (Holy Ghost) Acts 1:4-8. Only those that tarry for His Spirit are entitled for His empowerment which is requisite for the great commission the Jesus model.Acts.1:8 you can’t be a discipler without His Spirit

New Disciples are to be taught 

One of the thrust of the great commission is to teach new disciples to be obedient to all of God’s commandment Matt.28:20.There is also the dire need and command to teach the new disciples till they become strong/matured to the full stature of Christ. No one can teach correctly without His Spirit John 14:26, The Holy Spirit is the master teacher. Alas you may teach/attempt to teach what you want/like/or have in your head/capacity but you impact who you are, as such a disobedient person can’t have an obedient protégée except by divine arrangement, watch who you follow and listen to, those to follow anyone in this time and age are intelligent enough to do same, it takes someone obedient to God to teach new disciples to be and do same. Obedience is expedient in our walk with God and our work for Him, Abraham obeyed a very difficult order/test Gen. 22:1ff, and Jesus obeyed up to the point of death Phil.2:8, are we any obedient today?

He will be with us all the way 

God stays with His own no matter the confrontation/manipulation/machinations or accusations, Is.43:2 says that even when you pass through water/fire He will be with us, the psalmist also sang same thing Ps.23:4 that says even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me, Jesus further reiterated this that as long as we are His own and about His business that He will be with us till the end of the age Matt.28:20,what :a hope, an assurance, a comfort, a consolation. John 8:29.The big challenge is to continue to be His own and do His bidding may God help us in Jesus mighty name. Amen

The reason for the refusal to the great commission 

Ø  We have not met Christ: There is the possibility that we have not met Christ hence our refusal or dullness in carrying out the Great Commission, John 4 tells an account of a woman who met Jesus and immediately she ran to her people and told them she had met the Saviour. If we have met Christ we will tell people about him.

Ø  We have lost focus: Martha who was a sister to Lazarus was very busy with what Jesus will eat amongst other issues Luke 10:38-42 but Mary sat with Jesus receiving words of life Jesus had to speak to Martha about it.

Ø  We don’t understand God’s timing and season: John 4:34 Jesus was addressing an issue and said the people should open their eyes/lift up their eyes and look at the field that it is ripe for harvest, lack of spiritually depth and correct reading of the obvious signs of the end time which are here with us is also a reason we will neglect the great commission.

Ø  Spiritual attack: our adversary the devil who already knows his own end will do everything to resist our obeying the great commission so that we won’t reduce the population of people to be with him in hell, halleluyah he has failed on us.

Conclusion

 

The sending of God by God is a foundation and a replica of the great commission, even at the very beginning of mankind, shortly after creation and the subsequent fall of man, God became the first missionary Gen.3:8-9. In Jesus, God in man and man in God who left heaven to reconcile men to God, becoming the good news in a bad world John 3:16, and in the Holy Spirit who is the God sent to us and God in us to assist in the great commission, at just His presence the once timid Peter won thousands for Christ Acts 2:41, God is the most successful missionary. Mission and evangelism are major microcosm of the great commission, the great commission is not only a command, God himself has shown us the example to follow, may we not be bastards, failing ourselves in this all important task in Jesus mighty name, Amen.

 

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

progeny of Achan by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                   

Text: Joshua 7:10-18

Topic: progeny of Achan

The teaching will be done with the following sub-headings:

Background

Who is Achan

What did he do and what was the consequence

Characteristics of his progeny/descendants today

                                  Background

According to Jewish tradition, Joshua is the human vessel whom via God’s spirit wrote the biblical book named Joshua, although he was born a slave in Egypt and was one of the twelve spies sent to the promised land Number 13, God worked on, in and through him to the point that he emerged the successor to Moses leading God’s people to their age long promised land, he also was the leader of God’s people when Achan suddenly became notorious before his destruction.

 The famous wall of Jericho fell in chapter 6 inspite of strong human effort to protect and preserve it, may it please the Lord that all human effort against us will fail no matter who is involved, how it evolved or how it is evolving in Jesus mighty name Amen. The story tilted a little south but for God’s covenant and mercy in chapter seven which is our focus for tonight. May god open our eyes to see the gems in His word Amen.

                                   Who is Achan

Achan name means to change in a negative manner both in Aramaic and Hebrew, his father was Cami from the family of Zimri, the clan of Zerah and the tribe Of Judah Joshua 7:1, 16-17.

                   What did he do and what was the consequence

He stole some of the dedicated things for himself, what are the things he stole: robes from Babylon, 200 Silver coins, a bar of gold.

God was as a consequence angry with Israel may we become better human beings ourselves and may God also deliver us from every wrong associations in Jesus mighty name Amen.

                         Characteristics of his progeny/descendants today

This will be an application of various term with which Achan was labeled in the scripture:

1. They violate instructions vs.1, Is.1:19

2. They are consistent and intentional sinners Vs.10, Rom.6:23

3. Breaks covenant Vs.10, Joshua 6:24

4. Steals from God and Man Vs.10

5. They will always put people in trouble Vs.5. thirty six (36) persons died.

Then God will not answer by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                              

Text: Prov.1:28-33

Topic: Then God will not answer

The topic will be considered with the following sub-headings

Background

Why do we need answers from God

Then God will not answer

Conclusion

 

Background 

King Solomon was the son of famous King David and also a king in Israel in fact he was the last king of a united Israel in his era, he was very wealthy and God also gave him wisdom too after an encounter with Him as a result of his enormous sacrifice 2 Chro.1: ff, 1 king 3:10ff, he wrote three thousand proverbs and one thousand and five poems, he was the primary author of the book of proverbs. May God in His mercies grant us encounters that will change everything about us forever in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Our chapter of reference is the first chapter of the book and it shows the purpose of proverbs

Which is to amongst others emphasized wisdom and discipline as a prerequisite for success prov.1:2-3 and also underscored the fact greedy people are setting a trap for themselves Prov.1:17-19 in a way deterring people from all forms of greed, as nobody wants to be caught in any trap nonetheless self-trap. May God open us to the gems in His word amen.

Why do we need answers from God 

The following are just few out of the many reasons for a continued relationship and consistent answers from God: 

Ø  Without Him we are nothing and cannot do anything that will stand the test of time John 5:15

Ø  The world is a battle field                              Ps.23:4,Eph.6:12

Ø  It’s a sure source of confidence                     1 John 5:14-15

Ø  We are His                                                     Ps.100:3

Ø  He is a loving God and has a good plan        James  1:17,Jer.29:11

Ø  It is God’s work: This basically applies to the clergy, you didn’t call yourself and you can’t do God’s work by your wisdom, strength, intellect or other human attributes. 1 Thess.5:24

                                                  Then God will not answer

Taking root from our text, we would consider why God will not answer when people call on him:

Ø  For they hated knowledge                             Pro.1:29

Ø  For you do not fear the Lord                         Pro.1:29

Ø  They refused correction                                Pro.1:30

Ø  Refusing God’s call                                      Pro.1:24

 

All scriptures are written with the inspiration of God 2 Tim.3:16, God unveiling His mind through human vessels tells us why God did not respond to His people might not respond to calls from His people today.

Conclusion

God will not overlook a genuine cry of repentance and for mercy 2 Chr. 7:14, perhaps we err on the journey all we need to do is to first reconcile with God first not clamoring/praying for things as this might not be answered, but a sincere cry for mercy to God, although He makes everything beautiful in his own time.

 

Shalom.

 

 

DIVULGENCE FROM PSALMS by Pst. Gbenga Aluko

                                                                           

        

Text: Psalm 40:1-5

Topic: Divulgence from psalms

 

This will be done with the following headings:

Background

He awaited and sought

God responded

God’s attributes/doings

Psalmist’s reaction-the challenge

 

Background

Psalm is a collection of songs and poems written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit by many human authors, some of which are King David, Asaph, Sons of korah, King Solomon, Moses, Heman and Ethnan. According to scholars psalms was canonized (written, compiled and edited as led by the spirit) for about one thousand years (1000).our psalms of reference is said to be prophetic talking about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and was written by kind David.

He awaited and sought

The first thing observed in the referenced psalm is the fact that the psalmist waited and sought the Lord and he did that patiently Vs.1, the writer of this psalm is known to waiting and seeking God psalm 42:1 as the deer pants after the water…However as good and godly it is to wait some verses latter tells us some of the reasons why he waited and why we also wait today:

 Troubles surround me               Vs.12, John 16:33

 My sin pile up so high               Vs.12, Is.1:18, CAC GHB 490

 I can’t see my way out              Vs.12, Prov3:5

 I lost courage                             Vs. 12, 1 Sam.30:6

 Many people try to destroy me   Vs. 14

 Many take delight in my trouble Vs.14

God responded 

He turned and heard my cry Vs.1 psalms 61:1

He lifted me out of the pit of despair vs.2 1 Sam. 2:8

He set my feet on the solid ground Vs.2

He has given me a new song Vs.3 prayer

Many will be amazed and put their trust in Him Vs.3

God’s attributes/doings

You have no equal Vs.5, 1 Sam.2:2 Hannah sang there is none beside thee…

You take no desire in sacrifice/offerings Vs.6 but in a sacrificed life 1 Sam.15:22, Rom.12:1

Psalmist’s reaction-the challenge

Doing God’s will Vs.8,having his instruction written in our heart, telling also about him to people 9-11,telling His justice, faithfulness, saving power, unfailing love.