The guilty watchman with Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: Ezekiel 33:1-7

Topic: The guilty watchman

The teaching shall be done with following sub- headings.

Background

The guilty watchman

Conclusion

Background

According to Scholars, The Book of Ezekiel was written between 593 and 565 B.C. during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews, the book describes visions of God’s glory and also amongst others, Prophet Ezekiel’s privileged role in calling the exiled Israelites to account for their idolatry, warning them sternly of impending destruction should they continue in their recalcitrance, also newness on every frontier because we serve a God of second and several chances in accordance with His will and purpose, a God of mercy promising a future purification, restoration, a new heart and covenant with the gracefully chosen people. 

Have we left/abandoned our sinful nature or behaviours even as watchmen? God is no respecter of people/position and power, He still hates sin, judges same and eventually coming to judge the unrepentant sinner beware. Acts 10:34, Hab. 1:13, Ps. 96:13. Do we always remember that we like Prophet Ezekiel are privileged to be watchmen, if we do, it will keep us in check, and we won’t misuse this great grace or become a thin god.

The chapter of the scripture of reference today (Ezekiel 33 ) isn’t divergent from the fulcrum of the whole book, it rather circles in on one of God’s agents of solution saddled with the sacred duty to bring warning from and create an atmosphere/conduct of harmony with Him, The Watchmen.

 The chapter graphically illustrates the responsibility of Prophets cum watchmen and in today’s parlance, ministers and all leaders of God’s people as watchmen to warn the people of God's coming judgment, establishing that both the wicked and the righteous will be judged for their choices Heb. 9:27,Rev. 20:12, and that portion of scripture also underscores the prophesied fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.

Are you a true/Godly watchman or someone to be carefully watched by God and men? May we also not fall irreparably before repenting and doing heaven’s bidding in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. Is. 14:12-14, Rev.14:12-14

The guilty watchman 

The question readily comes to mind, can a watchman be guilty

Ez.33:6 figuratively states that a watchman can be guilty of blood of the town, city, society, family and church that he/she is a watchman over. Are we not guilty of the blood of God’s people in our care?

How can a watchman be guilty:

·       If a watchman (minister/those in leadership roles in the house of God in today’s parlance) does not see the sword:

In plain language, he/she does not hear anything from God, no nudging of the spirit, rather trusting in: his/her public speaking capacity, gathered rumours and gossips, emotional intelligence, sinister motives and research prowess to minister to people of God Vs.6-7. 

The dangers/perils to befall this band of God’s people in such situation (the led and their leader) is better imagined than experienced. What danger looms when heaven is closed or the earth is deaf ! . 1 Sam.28:6

Are we watchmen who waits on God till we receive instructions, rebukes and warnings, and dispense same only? Can God communicate to His people through us? 

·       If a watchman misinterprets the sword: The initial analogy in the chapter of study samples an analogy of a war situation, lets continue in that analogy and assume that there is a red alert signal and the watchman wrongly interpretes it as a relaxation signal, what havoc do we think that can cause when the enemy attacks and meets their opponent/enemy in an unprepared state?

We live in an era where God’s written/spoken word is pathetically made to say something different just to suit an analogy, it didn’t start just now 1 kings 13:18, may God make us and send our ways shepherd and leaders after His own heart Amen.

God’s signal/ message/revelations/warning could be proverbial, figurative and be unclear to the surface miner/physical or unspiritual watchmen Dan 5:1ff, Gen.41:1ff. A clarion call to be spiritual to correctly relate with and represent a God who is Spirit. John 4:24.

The only message meant for those who are not God’s own yet in the New Testament era is the message of salvation, The sign and signals we are focusing now are for those already in the fold, are you one of us, one-fold one shepherd? Are you Jesus’ sheep?

 His sheep understands His voice John 10:22. Were you His sheep before you became a watchman? Just as those who cannot read are not better than those who does not read, those who misinterprets messages from God are not better than those who do not hear God’s timely word, warning and signals, They portend same level of danger. The watchman can become guilty of blood if he/she misinterprets the sword.

·       If the watchman does not deliver the message of the sword Vs.6. the watchman can become guilty if he/she refuses to send warnings to Gods people as it is emanating from God.

Conclusion 

Let us cry to our faithful and loving God as watchmen/women: as Unit leaders, Deacon, Deaconess, Elders, Catechist/Evangelist, Pastors, Prophets etc. in the church that God would forgive us all in every area where we are lagging, where we have been guilty of His people’s blood.

Is it about not being close to God enough or sensitive enough to get His signals or distorting /misinterpreting the dictates of His signals or wilful disobedience whether for fear of men, cheer wickedness or whatever excuse. 2 Chr.7:14.

That God should forgive us and let us repent fully and promise to live better for him serving his purpose which is the essence of our privileged position among His flock.

 

Shalom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the iron gates opened on their own accord by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                 

Text: Acts 12:1-10

Topic: And the iron gates opened on their own accord

The study will be done with the following headings:

·       Foreword

·       James was killed

·       The church prayed

Foreword

The persecution of the church or her leaders is not a new phenomenon and did not start in the referenced text, however this tranche is peculiar and worthy of note. 

The devil, his agents and representatives in various forms and shapes has been against God, His: plan, purpose, people. The good news is God has always triumphed. Hallelluyah.

The devil is a known and an unrepentant looser, loosing consistently to God and all that are His. Rom. 8:31, 1 John 4:4,1 John 3:8, Rev.12:11.

James was killed

James was one of Jesus’ disciples, an Apostle, it also worthy of note that he was the first apostle to be martyred. Some scholars believe his death fulfils the consequences of his mother’s hot desire for juicy position/title. Matt. 20:22 , let’s all be led by God and be thoroughly mindful of our mad desires for positions. Rom.8:14

His proximity to Jesus didn’t prevent him from being killed by the sword of king Herod. We are not immune from the perils of the world, but He will always be with us and make a way of escape.1 Cor. 10:13, Is. 43:2.

King Herod was bent on doing anything to please the Jews and he found a way with killing James. There is the dire need for prayers and vigilance and prayerfulness for anyone who wants to fulfil destiny, there are still Herod’s around Matt.26:41.

Herod’s who doesn’t value human lives, who are not interested nor concerned about people’s hopes, career, children, dreams but are ready to do anything to please or perhaps oppress a faction/sect. Matt. 2:16. Little wonder the scripture says woe to a people whose leader are children/kid. Ecss.10:16. Be sober and vigilant we are not in heaven yet.1 pt 5:8

The church prayed

As painful as the death of one of the recent graduate of Jesus’s discipleship school was, there was no record of the church or anyone praying for him, (who are your friends,  what do you do together?). it is a dangerous plight not to have anyone praying for you and it becomes extremely dangerous not to be able to pray personally, we didn’t learn prayerlessness from Christ or our forebears.wake up from the slumber of prayerlessness in Jesus mighty name.

Immediately Peter was picked the church sprung into prayers, not just a session of prayers but ceaseless prayers Acts 12:6. And God answered:

·       He intervened just before the enemy hits again vs. 6

·       Sent an Angel who came to bring to the incarcerated a lot of divine and immediate changes vs. 7  :

-light from heaven

- rising

-chains fell off

-Gates opened on their own accord.

Prayers

 Every restriction against me or anything that is mine give way in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

 Shalom.

 

Replacing Gold with Bronze by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                    

Text:2 Chro.12:1-10

Topic: Replacing Gold with Bronze

 

The message will be done with the following headings:

·       Background

·       Meaning (context)

·       Rehoboam goes off the radar

·       Biblical examples/ references of replacing Gold with Bronze

·       Conclusion

Background

The kingdom of Israel became divided into two after the reign of King Solomon: the Southern Kingdom largely referred to as Judah (with the seat of power in Jerusalem King ‘David’s original seat) and the Northern Kingdom known as Israel (had the seat of control changing at some points from Sheckem to Tirzah and finally Samaria)

The scriptures in book of 2 Chronicles was written after the exile, is focused on the deeds of the kings of Judah, the sons of Solomon, the importance of worship ( there were some revivals and major awakening to true God and His worship)and consequences of lack of same to the true God, the book concludes with the destruction of Jerusalem and exile of God’s people to Babylon, may we not get to the point of exile /abandonment/being replaced before we heed God’s call to righteousness and true worship in Jesus mighty name Amen. 2 Cor.6:2, Col.3:6

Meaning (replacing gold with bronze)

·       Settling for less than God’s best.  Abram on Hagar Gen.16:2ff, Children of Israel with God on kings. 1 Sam. 8:11-18. Are we not caught in same web?

·       Anything done instead of relying on God’s provision, favour, Prosperity, Strength, Power and Presence. Samson Judges 16:20ff.

·       An attempt to cover/fill up a lacuna created by wrong choices or God’s punishment for same or both. King Rehoboam 2 Chro 12:10.

Rehoboam goes off the radar

Rehoboam is the 4^th king of Israel from Saul, he ruled the divided kingdom of Israel for seventeen (17) years from 975 BC, he was the son of Solomon.

The scriptures succinctly states that after he had established the kingdom and himself, he abandoned the Lord, His laws. 2 Chr.12:1, all Israel followed him.

Who is God to us? a means of achievement or a father to be loved and followed, how we see and relate with Him determines what happens to us now and how/where we will spend our eternity. Who is God to you, a means to survive through the church?

May God give us leaders who only influence people positively by both who they are and what they say in Jesus mighty name. Rehoboam was a negative influence on the people he led. What kind of influence are you having on God’s people? God is watching and he will reward.

The recalcitrance of Rehoboam was very expensive for him and the people he led:

·       God abandoned him    vs.5

·       God allowed Shishak king of Egypt to invade their land  vs.5

·       He (Shishak) took away everything of value from the treasuries, gold and gold shields

Have we not abandoned the Lord, (Rehoboam was still king but abandoned the God who made Him, His father and Grand- father king), His laws, our first love for Him, this is a plea for us to retrace our steps before God’s judgement locates us.

Biblical examples/ references of replacing Gold with Bronze

The bible is replete with examples of men and women who replaced gold with bronze some even replaced their gold with sand or even ashes as the case may be, let’s look at very few of them:

·       Aaron and the children of Israel abandoning their God for a make-shift golden calves. Ex.32:1ff

·       Judas Iscariot, choosing to deny Jesus because of 30 pieces of silver, His three years learning from Jesus, all the signs and wonders that he saw didn’t build discipline, faith and loyalty worth more than that token to him, he exchanged Jesus and his relationship to him for 30 pieces of Silver. Matt.26:14-16. what are you exchanging Jesus for?

·       Martha was distracted by household task and preparations(bronze) that she couldn’t make time to learn from the greatest rabbi at this instance. Luke 10:38-42

·       Samson a Nazirite unto the Lord, willingly donated his gold to disobedience to God, no razor shall touch your head. Judges 13:4ff

·       The Young prophet who heard God clearly heard God and whose work/ministry was filled with signs allowed the bronze the old Prophet deceive/mislead him with “the voice of the angel”.1 kings 13:1ff

Conclusion 

Anyone doing anything asides God’s purpose/mandate/ordination for his or her life, anyone staying anywhere outside of God’s direction, anyone who has abandoned God: His word/ways for whatever excuse or replacement, anyone using any evil/demonic powers outside the Holy Spirit to achieve something especially for God’s work among others is replacing Gold with bronze. Return to God today before it is too late. 2 Chr.7:14

 

 

 

 

Gains by soothsaying by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                              

Text: Acts 16:16

Topic: Gains by soothsaying

 

The study will be done with the following sub-headings

Background to the study

Gains by soothsaying

Diverse ungodly gains in today’s ministry

Way out.

Background to the study

The book Acts of the Apostles is also referred to as the acts of the Holy Spirit underscoring 1 Cor.4:20 which says the kingdom of God is not just in words but in power. Little wonder the master told them stay in Jerusalem, don’t move until you are endued Acts 1:4, May our lives and ministry not lack the power of God in Jesus mighty name.

Chapter sixteen of the referenced book graphically illustrates the beginning of Apostle Paul’s 2^nd Missionary Journey, on this journey he was accompanied by Silas and later Timothy, great events were recorded in the chapter : conversion of Lydia, gain by soothsaying/divination, Paul and Silas imprisonment, their miraculous escape and the attending conversion of the jailer amongst others.

Our focus today is however on the demon-empowered soothsayer who made gains through her practice and lessons we as God’s minister/children can learn from such show currently pervading the ministry space may God help us in Jesus mighty name.Amen

Gains by soothsaying 

Gain

The word gain according to online dictionary (plural noun) gains means an increase in wealth or resources. (This definition among others best fits our discussion).

Soothsaying

According to online definition, Soothsaying is the act of foretelling events, it is also the practice of predicting the future, often through methods considered mystical or magical. It involves making pronouncements about what will happen, and the term is closely linked to prophecy and divination.

However scholars have said Prophecy has two dimensions: foretelling and forth telling differentiating it from mere prediction.

Quick details about this soothsayer

·       She was young (inexperienced and vulnerable) (a damsel) vs.16

·       She had human owners (those plying trade with her) vs. 16

·       She had brought so much gain to them vs. 16

·       She was delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit vs.18

·       Her owners were cunny, crafty,desperate for gain and connected for the apostles to have been beaten and thrown into an inner chamber because of this and almost immediately vs.22-24

Hope any of these characteristics (aside from point four )are not traceable to us or our Ministry, Hope we are not an echo instead of a voice, God’s servant or man’s pawn?

Diverse ungodly gains in today’s ministry

It’s becoming very difficult to run a church(asides God's grace) owing to varying expenses, especially where members are not taught of the Lord, where there are no defined processes to raise and channel finances appropriately but more worrisome is raising unnecessary money (or diversion of same) that has nothing to do with the church growth, members welfare just for personal gain using any instrument and guise e.g

·       Agreeing on exploitation of God’s sheep and sharing formula with a so-called revivalist

·       Diversion of church funds/resources and people.

·       Manipulations in all shades

·       Bringing prophets of Baal to God’s temple (pollution of God’s house)

·       Using the powers of the devil to intrude into people’s privacy, creating an issue with a view to enrich self.

·       Going into the ministry without the call, burden for Soul, training and with negative agenda and all sorts of ungodly practices aimed to bring gain to the angel of the devil appearing as angel of light.

Anyone in the ministry for gain (physical, monetary or any other mundane/ephemeral reason) is a wrong person in the right profession and need to change job/work, go and open a business Sir/ma.

Apostle Ayo Babalola as documented spoke about the three palm trees whose outcomes is based on what we do with Jesus and His words, on another occasion spoke about the fact that whatsoever a minister seeks for in this church he/she would see but it would be at the expense of something, please lets make our choices and desires wisely.

People of God, why are you in ministry? Why are you in the station/department that you are?

Way out

No matter the level you have gone, we serve a living and a loving God, just like the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15 He awaits anyone on prodigal excursion with arms widely opened to warmly welcome,celebrate and fully restore such, don’t waste His love and patience.

The life and ministry of Jesus and the disciples/apostles gives us a prototype to follow in the ministry, as a Minister, we should focus on the word of God and prayer Acts 6:4.( not serving tables or making the tables)

God is never an usurper/exploiter, we can not serve Him well and lack good things all the days of our lives, He would come through for us, may God grant us the spirit of Godliness and contentment even in the ministry in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

shalom.

 

 

 

Isle of Patmos by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                           
                                                                                

  

                                                             Text: Revelation 1:1-10

Topic: Isle/Island of Patmos 

This will be done with the following sub-headings:

l Brief on John the beloved

l The Island of Patmos

l Why was John sent there?

l God on the island of Patmos

l Conclusion

Brief on John the beloved 

The bible is not just a book but a spirited compendium of sixty-six books. Revelation the last book of the bible was written by the inspiration of the Holy spirit using the human vessel of Apostle John, let us have some more about the human vessel Apostle John:

a. He was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. Matt 10:2-4,Mark 3:13-19.

b. Was also called John the beloved, himself and his brother were called boanerges/sons of thunder John 13:23,Mark 3:17

c. He was the only member of the twelves disciples present at the crucifixion of Jesus albeit at a distance, others had run for safety John 19:26-27

d. Jesus handed over His mother to him and he took care of her till death.    John19:27

e. This was the disciple banished to the Island of Patmos.Rev.1:9.

The Island of Patmos

The word Patmos means killing, Patmos is a sterile island about 30 miles in circumference it is now called Patino which lies off the South west coast of the modern-day Turkey, it was used as a place of banishment for criminals by the Roman government with very rare case of political purnishment like that of Apostle John.

It can also be described as a small, rocky, barren/infertile horrible location.

It is a figurative representation of the situation/state that God is actually leading some of His choice followers through irrespective of their physical locations, replica of  the figurative expression of the cave adullam.

If God loves us to the extent of wanting to use us, He would remove distraction, noise from and fortify us, Heb.12:2,Acts 2:4.

Noises can be both external and internal in this instance, ( don’t be too noisy for God’s revelations and workings in and through you ,His spirit will not struggle Gen.6:3) 1 kings 19:12-13,Patmos is beckoning. May we not miss our Patmos or any salient revelations and notes from this and other seasons that God is taking us through in Jesus mighty name. Amen.   

Why was John sent there? 

There are loads of records by historians such as Tertulian about the journey of John the beloved to Patmos but the summary of it is that he was sent there for his faith, stand for Christ and worship of same alone not for a constitutional crime Rev.1:9.

The scripture in 1 Peter 4:15 also underscores that Children of God should/would also suffer not as criminals but for Christ and should also rejoice when privileged to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Phil.1:29,Acts 5:41,1 Pt.2:21

God on the island of Patmos 

The intension and physical experiences of John the beloved at Patmos were not noble but our God knows how to turn things around for His children. Romans 8:28,John9:1ff.

John must also have followed and sought God inspite of his physical inconveniences and hostility like he has always done. Jer.29:13,Prov.8:17.

Are you having an experience in the similitude of Patmos, get skill, plan articulately, improve yourself steadily, seek help, counsel, mentors but don’t underestimate the place of seeking God via His word ,in Prayer and through other spirit led avenues( seeking God is the master key in all situations). 

John the beloved contacted God even in the Island of Patmos and by His spirit was able to get the following amongst others:

a. The secret of things to come. Written between AD 68-96 Rev.1:7

b. God’s assessment of the seven churches in Asia Minor which is still a master stroke for modern churches and Christains. Rev.2:1-3:22

c. He had angelic ministration and communion Rev.1:1,Gen.28:12-13.

Conclusion 

The encounter that Apostle John the beloved had in the island of Patmos is why we are still refering to the place today not the bad nature or anything special in that physical location,may we not miss God in all the seasons of our lives. Amen.

 

Shalom.

He arose by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                                       

                                                          Text: Mark 16:1-9

Topic: He arose 

Agonised about His death

Betrayed with a kiss

Crucified with thieves

His grave was sealed and guarded.

Derivatives of His resurrection

Burdened about His imminent death. 

The death and resurrection of Jesus wasn’t accidental or impromptu 1 Pt.1:19-20,Rev.13:8, yet He was agonised about His sacrificial death, for He saw the ridicule the suffering and the inglorious death that our salvation had to cost Him.He was totally God and man,He had feelings and fears and this had an impact on Him 1 Tim.2:5.

He was in deep agony and He turned to God in prayer for He was agonised.Mark 14:33ff.When we feel troubled, burdened ,agonised, with situations beyond our knowledge/capacity or both happens to us what is our reaction.His word says come to me all ye who labour and are heavy laden I will give you rest Matt.11:28. Go to Jesus in prayers.

Betrayed with a kiss 

Betrayal is not a new concept, the holy bible has some records of betrayal which outlines that this show of shame underscoring human fallibility, and the spiteful tendencies of adamic nature has a long history and can be exhibited by anyone who is not circumcised in the heart irrespective of location,placement and some other times titles.For a brief view:

Joseph was betrayed by His brothers        Gen.37:1ff

Uriah was betrayed by Kind David            2 Sam 11:5ff

David was betrayed by Absalom               2 Sam 15:7-9

Samson by delilah                                     Judges 16:4ff

Jesus by Judas                                           Mark 14:10ff

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas with a kiss is one of its kind and the repercussion is also special as Jesus already pronounced woe and stated that it is better if such individual had never been born.Matt.26:24.

How are we betraying this same Jesus today? Choosing earthly pleasure over and above His standards,word and ways,prioritising earthly desires and approaches over the path of the cross,undermining His name and power.Jesus is still saying woe to unrepentant betrayal don’t be part of them.

Crucified with thieves

Crucifixion was a capital sentence and largely used for condemned criminals by the Romans on the conquered people not their own citizens (discrimination and ill-treatment of people didn’t start today), this type of demeaning death for our Lord and Saviour just because of your sins and mine what a saviour, Thank you Jesus.

More demeaning was His companion at death although as prophesied numbered with the transgressors Isaiah 53:12,company of thieves and rogues for the blameless son of God,whaoh Mark 15:27ff, with them joining in the chorus of degrading comments about Jesus Mark 15:32,Matt.27:44. One of them however retraced his step back to the saviour and was saved, as long as we are still alive it doesn’t matter how far we have gone Jesus can still and is in fact willing to save you, DON’T DIE WITHOUT HIM PLEASE judgement is the next reality. Heb.9:27

His grave was sealed and guarded. 

The enemies of the cross didn’t just raise baseless accusations against Him including but not limited to inciting a mob chanting that He be crucified and Barabbas be released Mark15:6-15, they also pulled together all resources for him not to rise Matt.27:62ff.

The devil and His cohorts failed woefully about Jesus Matt.28:2-4 he will fail over us in Jesus mighty name. JESUS IS RISEN HALLELUYAH Amen.

Are you flying? The devil wants you down, Are down he wants you out, are you out he doesn’t want you to come back and also wants your memory, impact, imprints deleted forever be alert he is like a thief John 10:10 steal, kill and destroy.1 Pt.5:8.

Derivatives of His resurrection 

His cross and resurrection brought invaluable and countless benefits to the human race, lets just enumerate very few of the benefits of His resurrection to the human race:

l Perfected the work of our Salvation                             Heb.9:12-15

l Forgiveness of Sins                                                        Matt.26:28

l Justification                                                                     Rom.5:9

l Reconciliation                                                                     Rom.5:10

l The biggest confusion and victory over the devil          Heb 2:14,1 Cor.8-9,Rev.12:11

We serve a living God , our Jesus is alive forevermore! Celebrate it’s the anniversary of His resurrection.