IS IT RIGHT TO CARRY WORLDLY PRACTICES TO THE CHURCH?

IS IT RIGHT TO CARRY WORLDLY PRACTICES TO THE CHURCH?

  August 24, 2019    The Ambassador

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So I decided to surprise my family with a weekend visit. I met my beautiful children looking wonderful and blissful with smiles on their faces. Then I noticed that my youngest child (4 years old) was dancing shaku shaku.

"Where did you learn that from?" I asked. My oldest child was quick to reply...everyone dances it, even in church too.

I don't have a problem with the elder-lies dancing it cause I want to believe that they can discern the truth. My children on the other hand, copies whatever they see... mostly from people they trust.

Christ said, "give Caeser what belongs to him, and God what belongs to God." If a particular dance came into being when celebrating the devil, then there's no justification for it to be offered to God.

I remember when Jesus/Christian makosa came, many were quick to condemn it but now... It seems we choose what to take from the world and offer to God. Remember the ancient landmarks is what the Bible tells me. Train up a child in the way he/she should go, and they won't depart from it when they are older.

If shaku shaku, makosa or faint dance is for the world, then there's no need to offer it to Christ. Even if the song has changed, the purpose of the dance has not changed.

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THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

  August 29, 2017    The Ambassador

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As followers of Christ it’s easy to project an image to those around us that we don’t struggle with sin. But God knows better. The war between good and evil that began long ago continues today within the believer’s heart. 

Even though we are redeemed and will one day reign with Christ, we experience the daily struggle between obedience and disobedience. Apostle Paul lists the kinds of attitudes and behaviors that characterize our fallen nature; adultery, fornication, hatred, withcraft etc. (Gal. 5:19-22). But he also lists those godly qualities that reflect Christ’s own character and are pleasing to God. 

The challenge of the Christian life is to yield our hearts to the control and direction of the Holy Spirit so we will bear fruit that is honoring to God and benefits those around us. 

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CHRIST-LIKE HUMILITY

CHRIST-LIKE HUMILITY

  August 24, 2017    The Ambassador

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I have this friend that everybody calls a loser simply because of the way he addresses people; with a lot of humility, his looks won't let you think otherwise of the judgement people had about him. When i first met him, i had a similar perception of him. 

When we got closer, i saw who he really his - someone who isn't carried away by worldly possessions. My friend, the heir apparent to a very big business establishment in Nigeria showed humility in an exemplary way.

Self-glorification and celebration of "me" have been the order in today's world... a lot of us will opt to talk about what we are made of and how much we are worth rather than getting to know the individual right next to us simply because we want everyone to know we are.

When we value others above ourselves, we demonstrate Christ-like humility. We become like Christ who came not to be served but to serve.

As we interact with others today, let's not look on our own interests alone but also to the interests of others.

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in the lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" - Philippians 2:3 

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WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER YOU SINNED

WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER YOU SINNED

  July 24, 2017    The Ambassador

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I have often wondered what would have happened if Judas who betrayed Christ had asked for mercy or David had defended his actions when he killed Uriah… would their story end the same way it did.

What choice are we faced with when we stumble?

Ask for Mercy

Do what David did, acknowledge that you have sinned against God and beg for mercy. The Bible made us to understand that if we humble ourselves and approach His throne of grace; He is faithful and just to forgive all unrighteousness.

Dive further down into Sin

King Saul had the opportunity to ask for mercy but he chose to defend his actions. His love for the throne (worldly possession) hardened his heart, and kept him from accepting God’s judgement – Samuel anointing David as the new king of Israel. Saul died a shameful death.

Bearing the Burden

Judas Iscariot killed himself after realizing his mistake. Grace is not available for the dead. Atonement for sin cannot be found in the grave. The Bible says, “After death comes judgement”. Judas chose to pay the price for his own wrongdoing. 

"The end does not come after we have sinned, it comes with the decision we take after we have sinned." 

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WHAT LEADS TO SIN AND DEATH

WHAT LEADS TO SIN AND DEATH

  July 16, 2017    The Ambassador

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“Then when lust is conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.” (James 1:15).

According to the apostle, Sin which leads to death is brought about by lust; and sin is simply disobeying God’s command – the simple instructions that He has laid down for us.

Man as a spirit wants to please God – the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. The flesh is weak as a result of its desires. These desires when conceived causes man to err.

When the flesh is in control, it manifest itself via adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, jealousy, wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, contentions, murders, drunkenness, reveling etc. and they which do these things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

A man’s desire can be the difference between life and death.

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SEPARATING THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH FROM THE SPIRIT OF ERR

SEPARATING THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH FROM THE SPIRIT OF ERR

  July 07, 2017    The Ambassador

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With so many religions and teachings in the world, it is time for us to identify ourselves with the truth lest we will be won over by sweet words.

The spirit of Truth Confesses that Jesus Came into the world in flesh. He that loves is born of God (I John 4:7), for God is love... He sent His son into the world that we might live through Him. His love is not based on that fact that we love Him. God loves us first before we love Him (I John 4:19).

Whoever shall confess that Jesus is the son of God, has the spirit of truth in him (I John 4:15). God testified of Jesus being is son (I John 5:9) and a savior to the world (I John 5:12).

Any spirit that confesses that Christ came in another form is not of God; and that spirit is born of the Antichrist (I John 5:2 & 3). He that believes not in the son of God is a liar (I John 5:10). Any one that claims he has loved God from the beginning... the spirit of truth is not in him, and he calls God a liar. 

All of these were written that we may believe in the name of the son of God. (I John 5:13)

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GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR EVERYTHING

GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR EVERYTHING

  July 06, 2017    The Ambassador

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On Saturday night I was informed that I was going to minister in church on Sunday. As sudden as that may be, I accepted and went on to prepare. When Sunday came I did not minister . . . I was given another task. The topic that was taught richly blessed my life and opened my eyes to new possibilities.

Sometimes when task are given and then taken away from us, it’s usually for our own good. God’s design is for our own good – to learn more, to grow, and to preserve us.

It would have been easy for David to feel disappointed and discouraged when God said he is not the one to build the temple; but David chose to praise and worship God, and did a preparatory work for Solomon, his son.

May we accept the task that God has given us to do, and carry it out with a thankful heart. God may conceal His ways, but His ways are not without purpose.

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HOW TO KEEP LIVING IN THE PEACE OF GOD

HOW TO KEEP LIVING IN THE PEACE OF GOD

  July 05, 2017    The Ambassador

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I started out this piece with something else in mind, but I was finding it difficult to put down anything meaningful – still waiting for an inspiration I guess. My heart was greatly disturbed; I’m about to embark on a journey that didn’t end well the last time – planning, hoping for the best and still expecting things to go sideways.

Jesus words, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1), pierced my heart at a time I really needed it.

When we plan without God, we take evil into consideration – expecting things to go sideways. If you truly trust God, you will plan without a rainy day in mind because all things will definitely work out together for your good.

Love does not consider the evil in the world before it acts. Love embraces the enemy irrespective of what the enemy had done.

In every plan put God first and walk with love.

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A REQUIREMENT FOR A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

A REQUIREMENT FOR A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

  July 03, 2017    The Ambassador

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How I wish I could wake up in the morning and my belly fat is gone! Having a flat stomach would be nice, six packs and all. I want it all without sacrificing my favorite junk food or engaging in any routine exercise for long.

It is not a bad idea to look for the easiest way out of a problem, but there are some things that you would have to work for in other to get them. We want to be great without taking any risks. We want a beautiful relationship without the difficulties and messiness of committing to someone so different from ourselves. We want to please God only when it’s convenient for us.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to making a choice between life and death – it is either you’re for Christ or you are not. Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow, and looks back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

To follow Christ requires a radical change of our loyalties, no compromising.

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HOW TO MAKE YOUR FAITH EFFECTIVE

HOW TO MAKE YOUR FAITH EFFECTIVE

  July 01, 2017    The Ambassador

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A couple of Christians from a particular church went out for evangelism. They got to a particular neighborhood where most of the people have little or nothing to eat. They weren't prepared for some thing like that but they decided among themselves to give what that had and to return with more.

One of the Christian sisters that was part of the team said that while she was a little girl, a particular woman in church was starving and nobody could help her.

It is very easy to say to the poor, "It is well..." but when these words are backed with no action of love, it is meaningless. James urged us to accompany every word of faith with action - an action that reflects complete trust in the love of God.

Show your faith to the world by exhibiting the love of God. 

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FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

  June 20, 2017    The Ambassador

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Many times we do things for self-glory – fame or reward. A group of people decided to build a tower whose top may get to the heaven in order to make a name for themselves (Gen. 11:4). They wanted to be famous; they were highly driven to succeed but they're intentions were not for the glory of God.

When our greatest desire is to bring glory to God, we become driven people who seek to love and to serve; our purpose become clear and we have an assurance that our actions will come out good.

King Solomon said, “I have built the temple for the name of the LORD” (I Kings 8:20). Then he prayed, “May He turn our hearts to Him, to walk in obedience to Him and keep His commandments” (I Kings 8:58).

When we have God in heart, serving Him becomes easy and our path becomes blessed.

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BEING SAVED AND BEING RELIGIOUS

BEING SAVED AND BEING RELIGIOUS

  June 15, 2017    The Ambassador

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A preacher asked me, “Do you know the difference between salvation and being religious?” My answer was pretty straightforward; I don’t want to be religious. Immediately my heart ran through some of my past actions that suggest otherwise.

If you find that Christianity exhausts you, drains you of your energy, then you are practicing religion rather than enjoying a relationship with Jesus Christ. Your walk with the Lord will not make you weary; it strengthens you, and energizes your life.

When I sensed that I was practicing religion instead of enjoying Christ, I quickly rededicate my life to Christ – it is time to lay my burden down and enjoy a walk with the Savior.

Lord! Be my master and my redeemer; lead me in your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.

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YOU ARE CHRIST

YOU ARE CHRIST

  June 09, 2017    The Ambassador

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We find ourselves in a world with very little patience, a world that is quick to respond – a tooth for a tooth.

I read an article of a northern church in Nigeria that gave food packages to Muslims who are currently fasting (Ramadan fast). The Northern part of Nigeria has been known for its religious crisis were so many lives have been lost, yet a church chose to help in any way they can… exhibiting the kind of love Christ showed to us.

It is very easy to fight back but it takes wisdom to see beyond a disagreement.

We are the only Jesus some people will ever see. As we in humility value others above ourselves, we show the world the heart and attitude of Jesus Himself.

“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another” – John 13:35

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LIFE'S GREATEST LIES

LIFE'S GREATEST LIES

  June 07, 2017    The Ambassador

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Life is too short; there’s not enough time. We tend to crave the wrong things because time is not enough. Though it’s not wrong to desire something better, but we sometimes get carried away by these desires – When I get out of school, or when I have a better job, or when I’m married, or when I retire… then I can be happy.

The truth is, once you are in Christ, eternal life is yours. The law of spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2). Our desires gradually change when we come to Christ. This naturally gives us what we desire most.

One of life’s great lies is that we need to be somewhere else, doing something else, with someone else before we can start living. When we come to Christ, we exchange regret with enjoyment.

The moment you give your life to Christ, you start living eternally.

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GOD SPEAKS THROUGH DREAMS

GOD SPEAKS THROUGH DREAMS

  June 04, 2017    The Ambassador

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In the Bible, most things are revealed through dreams like in the case of Joseph. Via dreams people see the future, learn about the past, and receive messages from God. Dreams can be from God or the devil. 

Dreams from God can bring healing to a dying heart, salvation to a wretched soul, miracles, and can also be a means to warn us about futuristic dangers.  

I had a dream, a warning about the spirit of lust. I was proud and so full of myself; I felt like I need not pray because I am strong enough to overcome anything that comes my way. When it came to pass, that period of my life became the most turbulent period in my Christian life. 

God shows us the future so that we can pray to – change them when it is not in our favor or cement them when it is in our favor. (Job 33:14-15, Genesis 46:2).

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IS THE GOSPEL REALLY MEANT FOR EVERYONE

IS THE GOSPEL REALLY MEANT FOR EVERYONE

  May 30, 2017    The Ambassador

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The gospel is for everyone. Jesus commanded His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15). God's desire is for everyone to be saved (I Tim. 2:3-4).

However there are people in the world with a stony heart, ordained for condemnation, abusing the grace of God... people like Cain (Abel's brother), Korah and Balaam (Jude 1:4,11) whose heart have been hardened against the truth... seeking only recognition, reward and power. 

Apostle Jude urged those of us whose faith is not strong enough to be mindful of the kind of conversation we have with them lest they convince us of their own doctrine. Maybe Apostle Paul or Peter can minister to them but not you.

There are people who are thirsty for the word and are looking for anyone that will explain to them - people like the Eunuch of Ethopia that Philip ministered to (Acts 8:26-39); make a difference in these lives.

Make a difference in the life of the ordinary sinner who is thirsty for God and let those who are prepared to defend their knowledge of the world defend it.

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WHO IS THE ADVOCATE

WHO IS THE ADVOCATE

  May 23, 2017    The Ambassador

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Jesus’ final days on earth, he shared with his disciples the importance of his going away. He also told them about the coming of the Holy spirit, an advocate who will be with them (John 14:16-17), teaching, testifying and guiding them.

We who have accepted God’s offer have been giving the gift of the Holy spirit. From Him we receive so much: he convicts us of our sins and helps us to repent. He brings us comfort when we ache, strength to bear hardships, wisdom to understand God’s teaching, hope and faith to believe, and love to share.

No wonder people are amaze of how we see the good in every situation.

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SCATTERING SEEDS

SCATTERING SEEDS

  May 19, 2017    The Ambassador

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A couple of years back on a Sunday morning, I was carrying out my regular Sunday routine – being too busy for church. Two men walked up to me, one of them wearing a big smile on his face. They gave me a tract and invited me to church. I humbly collected the tract… I don’t reject tracts and I don’t through them.

A couple of months later when I’ve been touched by Christ, I needed a church… that was when I found that tract lying on my computer desk in my room. And that’s how I started worshiping where I worship today.

Jesus told a large crowd a parable about a farmer who sowed his seed on different types of ground – a hard path, rocky ground, clumps of thorn, and good soil (Matt. 13:1-9). The seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it.

Evangelism can be seen as tiresome and out-dated and sometimes fruitless but its influence goes deep – it creates a special atmosphere for the person you are ministering to. I’d never forget the smile that man gave to me.

We sow the seed, God produces the harvest.

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WHAT KINDNESS CAN DO FOR YOU

WHAT KINDNESS CAN DO FOR YOU

  May 14, 2017    The Ambassador

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We all know the story of how David pursued and recovered all that was taken from him and his people. Many a time, what actually happened before David finally overtook and recovered all, is usually neglected.

The Bible made us to understand that on his way to recover all, he came across a weak Egyptian lying on the field. He stopped and took care of him, and it turned out that the Egyptian was a servant to the people David was pursuing. They had left the Egyptian to die because he was sick. This same Egyptian eventually showed David the way to take.

David’s little act of kindness pave way for his miracle to come to reality. A little act of kindness today can turn God’s promise about your life into a testimony.  

Kindness is godly.

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WHY YOU SHOULD SHARE YOUR STORY

WHY YOU SHOULD SHARE YOUR STORY

  May 10, 2017    The Ambassador

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“The man went away and began to tell… how much Jesus had done for him” – Mark 5:20. Sometimes we don’t need a powerful sermon before we can tell people about God neither do we need to be eloquent; but we can tell people about Christ by simply sharing our story.

Jesus said, “Go home and tell the people how much the LORD has done for you, how He has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). No matter how difficult our lives used to be or how notorious we were, we can do what the man did; tell everyone what the LORD had done for us and how he rescued us from destruction.

There are people waiting to hear your story. There are people waiting to draw strength from your victory.

Whatever the LORD had done for you, share the story.

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