Quote for the Day 31Mar2013

Jesus Christ is alive! He was the only religious leader that died and was raised again. This is a great assurance that Christians are not serving a dead God. It is a great hope that when Christians die, they also will be raised with Him at the end of the age. Do you have these assurance and hope? - Bayo Afolaranmi

JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE!

Dearly Beloved, JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE! "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18 NIV). I once saw a sticker on a vehicle that reads thus: "If your God is crucified, try Allah." I laughed to yourself and pitied the originator of such idea. Apparently it refers to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but the originator of the idea and those that are promoting it do not know that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was not the end of His story. In fact it was the beginning of His triumph over death and Satan. Paul put it this way: "None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Corinthians 2:8 NIV). It is a historical fact that Jesus Christ was crucified outside the city of Jerusalem. He died on the cross according the Scriptures. He was buried in a tomb. But praise the Lord, He was raised on the third day! He appeared to many of His disciples and others for forty days before He ascended to heaven (see Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20, 21 and Acts 1). He told John: "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18 NIV). He is now at the right hand of God interceding for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1). Jesus Christ is alive! He was the only religious leader that died and was raised again. This is a great assurance that Christians are not serving a dead God. It is a great hope that when Christians die, they also will be raised with Him at the end of the age. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25-26 NIV). Do you have these assurance and hope? If you are not sure of your eternal life, try the eternal living Jesus. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). NB This message was first sent out on March 23, 2008. There is a message written by me that proves the logic of the doctrine of resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is titled "IF JESUS CHRIST HAS NOT BEEN RAISED...." You may request for it by writing me at . Happy Easter!

Quote for the Day 30Mar2013

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts

Quote for the Day 29Mar2013

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown. - George Bennard

Quote for the Day 28Mar2013

In memory of the Savior’s love we keep the sacred feast, when every humble, contrite heart is made a welcome guest. - Thomas Cotterill

Quote for the Day 27Mar2013

Have a deep desire not just for the good things Jesus can do for you, but for a living daily relationship with Him. - Christopher Ash

Quote for the Day 26Mar2013

He who cultivates a grateful heart will get a second attention from God. - Sunday Adeleke

Quote for the Day 25Mar2013

Ambition is man's way into his destiny while vision is God's path into His destiny for man. Man's ambition can never lead you to God's destination. Grab a vision today! - EA Adeboye

Quote for the Day 24Mar2013

Spiritual growth is not an option for any serious Christian. It is a necessity. Are you growing spiritually? - Bayo Afolaranmi

ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY? (Part 3)

Dearly Beloved, ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY? (Part 3) “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV). Spiritual growth entails knowing the Lord Jesus Christ progressively better. This process starts after accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. Spiritual growth is therefore expected from every believer because no believer reaches a point of no growth while living in this world. There are many things that a believer can do to enhance his or her spiritual growth. Some of these things are: one, being born again: be sure of being a new creation through accepting the Lord Jesus Christ. To identify with spiritual growth you must first be born again because it is not possible for a non-believer to grow spiritually. The moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you become a new creation and gain entry into spiritual person (2 Corinthians 5:17). Two, abstaining from all sins: it is not possible to grow spiritually if you still engage in some ungodly practices (Romans 6:1-2). Three, communicating with Jesus Christ through prayer: a believer should have a special prayer time (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Four, reading the Holy Bible at all times: the more you read your Holy Bible, the more you change. The Holy Bible is a mirror on which your life should reflect. Let the Holy Bible talk to you. Five, telling others about Jesus Christ: spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ helps you grow. Six, fellowshipping with other believers: belong to and be active in a local church (Hebrews 10:25). This makes you have a spiritual home and the pastor your spiritual leader. These are what spiritual growth is all about. Spiritual growth is critical. It is a way of: pursuing righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11); being transformed (Romans 12:2); perfecting holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1); pressing toward the goal (Philippians 3:14); or being built up in the faith (Colossians 2:7). The goal is the same for every Christian: to be transformed into the Lord’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18). Spiritual growth is not an option for any serious Christian. Are you growing spiritually? In what area are you lacking in your spiritual growth? There is nothing you can do to substitute your spiritual growth. It is a necessity. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me to be growing spiritually in all ramifications. NB If you missed any part of this message or you want the whole message sent to you, send a request to me by email at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com.

Quote for the Day 23Mar2013

Examine carefully any teaching that asks you to do anything more than what is in God’s Word. Otherwise it can be deadly to your spiritual well-being. - C. P. Hia

Quote for the Day 18Mar2013

You have not really learned a commandment until you have obeyed it. Nothing clarifies doctrine like doing. - Vance Havner

Quote for the Day 17Mar2013

The closer we get to God through understanding of His Word, the better we are at hearing and rightly interpreting the voices around us so that we are not easily fooled by them. - Noel Berman

ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY? (Part 2)

Dearly Beloved, ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY? (Part 2) “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV). It is a pity that the contemporary Christianity is no longer emphasizing spiritual growth. Our emphases have been shifted from spirituality to religiosity and materialism. Many Christians no longer want to grow in God; they rather want to work for God and expect God in turn to bless them materially. No wonder, many so-called Christians cannot relate with God directly without their so-called spiritual leaders. Spiritual growth has been misunderstood to be some things that it is not. This has misled some people to think they are growing spiritually. Some of these things are: One, our position in Christ: we are positionally children of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:16). He sees us as already perfect in His Son (Colossians 2:10). We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Two, God’s favour: God does not like us better because we are more spiritual than before. God’s love for us is not conditional upon our behaviour. The Bible says, while we were still helpless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies, God showed His great love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins (see Romans 5:6-10). God cannot love us more just because we grow. Three, time: maturity in the spiritual realm is not measured by the calendar. It is possible for a person to be a Christian for half a century and yet remain a spiritual infant. Four, knowledge: facts, data, information, and intelligence cannot be equated with spiritual maturity. Unless your knowledge results in conforming you to Christ, it is useless. Truth that fails to change your life and behavior may in fact be hurtful, hardening you instead of bringing you to maturity. Five, activity: some people make the mistake of assuming that the most mature Christians are always the busiest ones. However, busyness does not necessarily bring maturity, nor can it be substituted for maturity. Excessive activity may, in fact, even hinder what is really vital and important in the Christian life. Busyness cannot earn salvation, let alone bring about spiritual maturity (see Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 10:38-42). Six, prosperity: some people so dedicate themselves to the pursuit of prosperity that they neglect everything else. God might have allowed you to prosper, but that is no mark of spiritual growth. Being poor is neither a sign of spirituality as well! Seven, sinless perfection: some people think that someone who is growing spiritually will not sin. This is based on misinterpretation of some Bible passages especially 1 John 3:9. Have you been equating your spiritual growth with any of the highlighted things above? That is not it! What spiritual growth entails will be discussed in the last part next week. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me not to equate my spiritual growth with anything no matter how good the thing may be.

Quote for the Day 16Mar2013

Whenever God steps into anyone’s life, the life of the person changes. - Sunday Popoola

Quote for the Day 15Mar2013

We give to others what they need no greater help and care than when we intercede for them and bear them up in prayer. - D. De Haan

Quote for the Day 14Mar2013

When someone tells you that you cannot do something, perhaps you should consider that he is only telling you what he cannot do. - Sheldon Cahoon

Quote for the Day 13Mar2013

What are your needs and wants? Whatever they may be, the Lord knows how to meet all these needs and wants in His own way and in His own time. Just trust in Him. He will meet all your needs and wants in Jesus’ name. Amen. - Bayo Afolaranmi

Quote for the Day 12Mar2013

God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mould us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfil His good, pleasing and perfect will. - Author Unknown

Quote for the Day 11Mar2013

To be honest is to tread the way of God, it will make you free, it will make people depend on you, it will make your mind and work flow and you do not have to remember what you said before you speak. - Nelson Tunde Akinola

Quote for the Day 10Mar2013

Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. - Billy Graham

ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY?

Dearly Beloved, ARE YOU GROWING SPIRITUALLY? “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV). Growth is very essential to any living being or organization. Nobody would want to remain stagnant where he/she was last year. Also, no one would want his/her child to refuse to grow. We all want to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, materially and in other ramifications. This should be applicable also to our spiritual life. However, only believers grow spiritually. Just like any other growth or development, spiritual growth is not attained instantaneously. It is not dramatic experiences, climactic turning points, or instant solutions to spiritual problems that many people are looking for today. God’s design is that we be seasoned to maturity through a continual process of growth. This made Peter to tell his readers in 2 Peter 3:18 to grow spiritually. Peter admonished believers to grow, not any other person. This is rather a command, not an advice, so you have to desire and determine to grow spiritually. The determination to grow must be consistent without any distraction (compare Hebrews 12:2). If you are to be prepared for spiritual growth, your focus must be right. The focus must not be on what you must do, but on who you must be! Peter instructed us to grow spiritually in two things: grace and knowledge. Grace is important because it is the foundation of the spiritual life (compare Ephesians 2:8). The spiritual life is impossible without grace. You cannot know God apart from grace. You cannot grow apart from grace. You cannot deal with failure apart from grace. Moses knew this, and he asked for it (see Exodus 33:13). Grace also sustains you when you fail or when things are not going the way you want (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). To grow in one’s knowledge of Jesus Christ is not factual knowledge, but the experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:10). The order of these items is important. Grace must precede knowledge. Therefore, keep things in order. Grace comes before knowledge. Without Jesus there is no understanding of grace. You cannot have knowledge without Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of grace and spiritual truth. The last thing to note in this verse is the purpose of the growth: God’s glory. Everything we do or whoever we are must be to God’s glory (John 2:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 5:10-11; Jude 25; Revelation 1:6; 5:9-14). The second part of this message next week will briefly discuss what spiritual growth is not. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me Lord to be growing in Your grace and knowledge.

Quote for the Day 09Mar2013

Our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances. - Martha Washington

Quote for the Day 08Mar2013

God does not want you to be conscious of the lack you see outside you. He wants you to be conscious of the abundance within you because His kingdom is within you! - Joseph Prince

Quote for the Day 07Mar2013

I know who holds the future, and I know who holds my hand. With God things do not just happen, everything by Him is planned: so as I face tomorrow with its problems large and small, I will trust the God of miracles. - A. B. Smith

Quote for the Day 06Mar2013

We all need friends with whom we can speak of our deepest concerns, and who do not fear to speak the truth in love to us. - Margaret Guenther

Quote for the Day 05Mar2013

Do not allow adversity to hinder you from moving forward. - Kayode Oyedemi

Quote for the Day 04Mar2013

No matter where you are, or how long you have been there, God’s mercy and kindness can reach you. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Quote for the Day 03Mar2013

It is good to revere spiritual leaders. However, there should be a limit to the reverence one would give them. The moment the reverence for them is being place side by side with, or replacing one’s reverence for God, one should be very careful. Whose disciple are you? - Bayo Afolaranmi

WHOSE DISCIPLE ARE YOU?

Dearly Beloved, WHOSE DISCIPLE ARE YOU? “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne” (Hebrews 12:2 TEV). Being somebody who wants to minister to as many people as possible through the Internet, I joined as many Internet groups, forums, blogs, pages, and the likes, and I allow people to add me to their groups, forums, blogs, and pages. Some of these people even made me an administrator/moderator or co-owner of their groups, forums, blogs, or pages. The fact that I am an administrator/moderator or co-owner of any Internet group, forum, blog, or page does not mean that I agree totally with the activities in, or the contents of the Internet group, forum, blog, or page. However, I was embarrassed when I discovered recently that I was made an administrator (and by implication a co-owner) of a Facebook page titled “Disciples of [founder of a denomination].” I could not bear the misrepresentation that the page gave me: that I am a disciple of a man. Never! I am a disciple of only my Lord Jesus Christ. I follow no man no matter how great or good the man was/is! Because of their love and admiration for a religious leader, it is a pity that many Christians have turned such leader to a small god. They extremely revere such leader. They behave like the leader. They speak like the leader. At times, they value the leader’s words more than God’s words. They even use the leader’s name to pray to God! While some religious leaders want their followers to do such for them, some are ignorant of the activities of their followers, while some who are aware of such try to dissuade their followers from doing so. It is good to revere spiritual leaders. The Bible encourages it. However, there should be a limit to the reverence one would give them. The moment the reverence for them is being place side by side with, or replacing one’s reverence for God, one should be very careful. Apostle Paul advised against this: “...each one of you says something different. One says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Peter’; and another, ‘I follow Christ.’ Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13 TEV). Rather, the writer to the Hebrews advised, “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end... ” (Hebrews 12:2 TEV). I am not, and will never be, a disciple of any man. I am a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whose disciple are you? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor) Prayer Point: Lord, help me not to follow any man no matter how good or great he/she may be, but help me to always fix my eyes on You. Amen.

Quote for the Day 02Mar2013

The power to live according to God’s standards comes only when we plug into His inexhaustible power. How do we do that? By daily seeking His face and asking Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit. - C. P. Hia