Wednesday, 8 June 2011

The Manifestation of The Sons of God (Part 1)

Title: THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD (PART 1)
Preacher: Dr. 'Tunde Bakare
Main Text: Romans 8:18-22

“…Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. For all creation is WAITING EAGERLY for that future day when GOD WILL REVEAL WHO HIS CHILDREN REALLY ARE… (NLV).

“…For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to THE GLORY which shall be revealed IN us…For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God…” (Romans 8:18, 19 KJV)


The theme of this message is not foreign to the body of Christ across the globe. It is has been emphatically echoed in churches, meetings, and various conferences in believers’ circles across the nations. However, it is astoundingly appalling that in spite of the emphasis that has been rung on this subject from diverse perspectives, coupled with the unprecedented prolific springing up of churches at every nook and cranny of our nation, the bondage of the creation to corruption goes on unabated. Although countless true teachings are constantly shared, significant change does not take place. The truth is once the coming to manifestation of the sons is revealed, something happens to the bondage of corruption to which this earth belongs. Hence, the reason why the true sons must manifest in order to bring an end to corruption is because corruption was brought to the earth through the sons of God. There was no corruption on the earth until Adam rebelled against God and the whole creation consequently rebelled against Adam. Thus, the ability to replenish and subdue the earth was lost in the rebellion. Nonetheless, if you desire to operate in peace, harmony, and have all things respond to you as they should, then this message is a timely message you can’t afford to ignore. The aim of this message is do justice to the truth as far as this subject is concerned.

“Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that THE SONS OF GOD saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose…there were GIANTS on the earth in those days…when THE SONS OF GOD came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were mighty men who were of old, men of renown.” –Genesis 6:1-12.

It is not alien that various schools of thought and renowned theologians teach that the sons of God in Genesis 6:2, 4 are the fallen angels. If that supposed to be true, then it is a violation and an outright distortion of the scriptures on the divine blessing placed upon all creation to replenish and multiply according to its kind at the beginning. That is to say, all creatures were created according to their kinds and empowered to reproduce after their kind (Genesis 1:11, 12, 20-22; Hebrews 1:7). Brethren, the Bible is not capable of any hidden interpretation. Therefore, it’s expedient to dig deep into the scripture to see who these sons of God are.

It is critical for you to take cognizance that the Bible records that God appointed another seed for Eve instead of Abel whom Cain killed. That simply means the latter seed called Seth and Cain were not of the same kind. But when the new seed began to multiply through Seth, men began to call on the name of the Lord for the first time after the fall. Thus, from the seed of Seth named Enosh the sons of God began to manifest. And when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, the sons of God entered into marriage with them and the end products were giants. Bluntly speaking, no matter the science and technology that men may apply, conception cannot take place in bestiality. The mating of a male goat and a female dog cannot produce neither of its kind. In like manner, it is absolutely impossible for conception to place between the daughters of men and angels let alone bringing forth, because angels do not posses the seed of men neither were they created from man’s seed. Thus, it is nothing but absolute fallacy and erroneous to conclude that angels have the capability to produce offspring in the likeness of man. The law of creation says every creature must produce after its kind!

It was the result of corruption that permeated the earth that brought about the giants on earth when the sons of God married the sons of men. The seven mighty nations that were destroyed by God for the sake of Israel were the descendants of these giants (Deuteronomy 7:1-14). However, in the same corrupted and polluted environment, Noah found grace in the sight of God and he was separated from the rest of mankind. The same water that drowned others was what God used to lift him up. Moreover, the beasts and all kinds of wild animals were living violently against themselves and man, but the situation was different in the ark. That simply connotes that it takes just one true son of God to bring sanity and order to a chaotic and corrupted situation or environment. It was through Noah that God reversed the curse that brought rebellion to the earth. It was in his time that God brought the violence of the beasts under control by the authority given to Noah, though he was the foreshadow of the real Man—Jesus Christ. The point here is this: the corruption that was brought to the earth by the sons of God through marriage with the daughters of the corrupted seed, TRUE SONS would have to bring an end to it (Genesis 9:1, 2; Isaiah 11:1-9).

The reason for the groaning of the whole creation is for the manifestation of the true sons of God so that they can bring order and godly fear into the chaos, anarchy, crime, violence, and what have you, that filled the earth in consequence of the corruption caused by the sons of God. Therefore, the manifestation of the true sons of God goes beyond Christian conferences and meetings; it is to produce those who will bring order to chaos. Our groaning is not purposeless. The groaning is coming forth because of earnest expectation of the true sons who will bring order into every sector of government in a nation. These true sons will become models in every facet of human experience. These are the people the creation is waiting for. They have an assignment to bring divine order into their environment and their territory of influence. The manifestation of the Spirit and truth will be evident in their lives. Except there is manifestation of the Spirit and truth in you, you are not part of the true sons of God! God has purposed to replant the heavens and relay the foundation of the earth through the word that He has put in the mouths of these true sons. They are made to declare the word of God into every chaotic situation and bring God’s government into it. They are the prophetic voice of God in any given situation. The manifestation of the true sons of God is to undo the corruption initiated by of the sons of God in Genesis 6: 2, 4. These are the true sons. (Isaiah 51:1-3, 12-16).

For the complete message, please contact the Latter Rain Assembly Tape Ministry or Bookshop Tel : +234(01)7739143-4; 7739140; 4968552-3; 4933684 Fax: +234(01)4922687 Email : lra@latterrainassemly.org

Tuesday, 7 June 2011

THE HERITAGE OF THE WICKED

Title :
THE HERITAGE OF THE WICKED
Preacher :
Dr. 'Tunde Bakare




Main Text: Psalms 73:3-21

“…For I was envious of the boastful, when I see the prosperity of the wicked…when I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast then down to destruction…”


Candidly, as a servant of God and minister of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is easy to be disconcerted and disappointingly get upset when God appears to be slow in judgement and prayers seem unanswered in a nation given to lying propaganda like ours. As a mouth piece of God, the inclination to be dispirited and consequently throw in the towel is distinctly bright when you witness the prosperity of the wicked in a nation filled with the crying of blood, not just an ordinary blood of crying but as it is experienced in the political, social, and economic climate of the nation. Frankly, as a prophet or a prophetic people, the propensity or aptness to be downhearted is high when you see the sumptuousness of ambitious men, their dreams, drives and delusions. Moreover, as an ambassador of Christ with a prophetic message in a given district, locality, city, or nation, the tendency to be discombobulate like the likes of Jeremiah, Elihu, David, and Isaiah, by God’s acts and ways in executing His plans and purposes concerning an erring nation is almost inevitable. However, if one understands, just as the understanding eventually dawned on David in the presence of God, that there is a heritage prepared by God for the wicked, every element of frustration, disquieting and the tendency to quit the ministry can be handled with courage, endurance, dogged determination, and perseverance in the midst of crooked and perverse environment – Jeremiah 20:1-10; 9: 1-10; Job 32: 6-22; Psalms 73:3-21.

This message is therefore born out of the need to encourage those who stand for God, not be weary in righteousness, and also serve as a timely warning in order not to be victims of divine blows. On the other hand, the message also unveils the package which God kept for the wicked and those who participate in the act. But before we go into the nub of the message, it is important that we identify the biblical responsibilities of prophets and prophetic people within the nations and communities of the earth.

EIGHT BASIC BIBLICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROPHETS AND PROPHETIC PEOPLE:

Prophets are called to be the conscience of the nations or the lands of their assignment.
                                      – Isaiah 3: 8-11; 12:12-24.
They must draw attention to national sins.
                                      – Exodus 32:30-35; Deuteronomy 9: 18-20.
Prophets give proper warning wherever they realise that the community is under the judgement of God.
                                       -  (Jeremiah 16:1-18).
They show the way when the nation stands at various cross roads.
                                           - (Ezekeil 33:9-13).
The prophets have to choose and anoint the leaders of their country.
                                             - ( 1 Samuel 16: 1- 3; 1 Kings 19: 15, 16).
They encourage the leaders and give them directions.
                                            - ( 1 Kings 2:1-4).
The prophets have to warn and pronounce judgement over the leaders who break God’s laws.
                                            - (Isaiah 10:1-8; Matthew 23: 12-16).
The prophets are the bearers of visions of the future of the people, and also saddled with the responsibility to unveil God’s plan for survival in times of trouble.
                              - (2 Samuel 17:1-29; Isaiah 1:1-31; Ezekiel 11:24, 25; Acts 9:10-22; 16:9-12).

Now no matter how boastful and materially prosperous the wicked may be in a nation, the prophetic word of God is capable of catching up with them and consequently slays them if they refuse to repent. Jehovah God is the governor of all nations. The power to remove kings and the mighty lies before Him, and He gives the kingdom to whosoever He wishes. He alone has the power to crush every mountain and bring to nothing the pride of the wicked and their paraphernalia.

According to the scripture, the heritage of the wicked goes thus:

“Do you not know this of old, since man was placed on earth, that THE TRIUMPHING OF THE WICKED IS SHORT, and THE JOY OF THE HYPOCRITE IS BUT FOR A MOMENT? Though his haughtiness mounts up to the heavens, and his head reaches to the clouds, yet he will perish forever like his own refuse; those who have seen him will say, where is he? He will fly away like a dream, and not be found; yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye that saw him will see him no more, nor will his place behold him anymore. His children will seek the favour of the poor, and his hand will restore his wealth. His bones are full of his youthful vigor, but it will lie down with him in the dust.

Though evil is sweet in his mouth, and he hides it under his tongue, though he spares it and does not forsake it, but still keeps it in his mouth, yet his food in his stomach turns sour; it becomes cobra venom within him. He swallows down riches and vomits them up again; God casts them out of his belly. He will suck the poison of cobras; the viper’s tongue will slay him. He will not see the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. He will restore that for which he labored, and will not swallow it down; from the proceeds of his business he will get no enjoyment.

For his has oppressed and forsaken the poor, he has violently seized a house which he did not build. Because he knows no quietness in his heart, he will save anything he desires. Nothing is left for him to eat; therefore HIS WELL-BEING WILL NOT LAST. IN HIS SELF-SUFFICIENCY HE WILL BE IN DISTRESS; EVERY HAND OF MISERY WILL COME AGAINST HIM. WHEN HE IS ABOUT TO FILL HIS STOMACH, GOD WILL CAST ON HIM THE FURY OF HIS WRATH, AND WILL RAIN IT ON HIM WHILE HE IS EATING. He will flee from the iron weapon; a bronze bow will pierce him through. It is drawn, and comes out of the body; yes, the glittering point comes out of his gall. Terror comes upon him; total darkness is reserved for his treasures. As unfanned fire will consume him; it shall go ill with him who is left in his tent. The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The increase of his house will depart, and his goods will flow away in the day of His wrath. THIS IS THE PORTION FROM GOD FOR A WICKED MAN, THE HERITAGE APPOINTED TO HIM BY GOD.”
                                                                  
                                                                                – Job 20:4-29.




For the complete message, please contact the Latter Rain Assembly Tape Ministry or Bookshop
Tel : +234(01)7739143-4; 7739140; 4968552-3; 4933684
Fax: +234(01)4922687
Email : lra@latterrainassemly.org

Monday, 6 June 2011

Your Manifestation Depends on Your Revelation

Title : Your Manifestation Depends on Your Revelation
Preacher : Dr. 'Tunde Bakare


   
Main Text: Matthew 16:13-20

“…Jesus…asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for FLESH AND BLOOD HAS NOT REVEALED THIS TO YOU, BUT MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN”” Matthew 16:13-17

There is a revelation of the Spirit; there is a also revelation of the flesh. Just as the Spirit of God reveals knowledge of the plan and purpose of God for His church and entire humanity at large to those who are connected to Him, in like manner, there are revelations that come from flesh and blood. If flesh and blood does not reveal knowledge, Jesus would not have affirmed the source of the revelation of Himself which Peter received from the Father. On the contrary, flesh and blood revelations are cerebral calculation, logic, human permutations, strong analytical and persuasive word that beguiles people to believe lying wonders; flesh and blood revelation is nothing but divination. The Sadducees, Pharisees, and the religious gurus of Jesus' days were had nothing but flesh and blood revelation of who Jesus was. But as for those who would manifest the days of heaven on earth, their manifestation would depend on the true revelation of who Jesus Christ really is. Thus you cannot manifest Jesus except He is revealled in and through you.

Although the Scriptures make it plain that flesh and blood cannot inherit thekingdom of God, there is another flesh and blood that is prepared by God for the purpose of expressing His fullness through human vessels. The Word that became flesh is called another flesh (Jesus Christ). – John 1:1, 14. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man (first Adam) so we will bear the image of the heavenly man (the last Adam—Jesus Christ). –1 Corinthians 15:49, 45. Those that would posses another flesh in order to manifest the image of the heavenly Man are the ones that are not born after the will of flesh and blood, nor of the will of man, but after the will of God. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, went through process so that He could become the Son of Man. In like manner, He would take us through process so that we also can become the true sons of God that would manifest Christ on earth. Although Peter received the true revelation of who Jesus is, he was forbidden from preaching it because he had not gone through the process whereby the word would become flesh in him. In other words, until the word becomes flesh in you, you cannot preach Him effectively. – John 1:12, 13; Romans 8:14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 2:21; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 3:13-17.

The flesh and blood that would inherit the kingdom of God are those that have the life of Christ in them. When Jesus said except we eat His flesh and drink His blood we have no life in us, He simply means only those who feed on His truth and consume His grace, and feed on His life would manifest Him and represent His purpose and interest on planet earth. Thus we eat His flesh and drink His blood. The Bible says the life of an animal is in the blood, therefore only those who feed on His life are the true sons of God that would manifest and represent Him and do His will in all ramifications. Therefore as we feed on His flesh and drink His blood, we possess eternal life. We have another life that nothing in this world can equal. – John 6:50-58; 1 Corinthians 15:50; 10:16, 17; 11:25, 26; John 17:1-3.

Note: whatever revelation of God you might have received does not immediately translate into manifestation until it is processed in and through you. Unfortunately, many people want revelation but they are not ready to pay the price that would bring the revelation into manifestation. Going through the process of manifestation is what would hinder many from coming into manifestation. God has to prepare you for what He has prepared for you—He has to make you ready! Because It takes process for revelation to produce manifestation in you. Everyone that would represent God and operate by the standard of heaven in every facet of human endeavour would go through conception and gestation period before manifestation can take place. In other words, the revelation you conceived must go through gestation in you before you can manifest it. The ultimate next level is that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. Next level has nothing to do with temporary or material things; they are things of eternal worth! If all we want to do is to show off that our God is mighty by material things, then, we have short-changed our generation. – Matthew 16:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 4:11.

Those that would not see death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom are those that would allow God to take them through the process of birthing Christ in their heart, and they would not jump the gun until the Master makes them ready for His use. But it is unfortunate that the Church has limited the manifestation of the kingdom of God to an unprecedented event that would take place in the future. Brethren, it is high time we understood that the manifestation of the kingdom through tested and seasoned vessels is now! Christ is not coming for a weak Church, but rather for a strong and vibrant Church. He must work His works in you before He can do His works through you. – Galatians 1:10- 19; 2:1, 2; Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:18-26; Matthew 17:1-13.

Furthermore, in the entire Scriptures, the word manifestation occurs only three times—the manifestation of the Spirit—1 Corinthians 12:7; the manifestation of truth—2 Corinthians 4: 2, and the manifestation of the sons of God—Romans 8: 19. In other words, the sons of God cannot come into manifestation except the manifestation of truth and the Spirit merge in them. The word did not become flesh until Mary believed the revelation that was told her before the Holy Spirit came upon her. That is, it is the manifestation of the truth and of the Spirit merging in a child of God which becomes a reality that he has embraced that causes his manifestation. The manifestation of the sons (believers) of God is the manifestation of the Son (Jesus Christ) of God. It is Christ manifesting Himself through the believers. Thus they become godly people. A godly man is not one who goes to Church or Mosque, but one who has opened himself to God so that God can manifest Himself through that individual. —Titus 1:1-3; John 1:1-14; 1Timothy 3:16.

No one can preach or represent Christ effectively unless Christ reveals Himself in the life of that individual. In other words, you cannot manifest Christ except the word is manifested in you, through you, and to you. The word of God must become the final authority in your life without any reserve, regard or respect for human opinion and the philosophy of man. The highest manifestation of God is His word.

Jesus is the light, life, and love. Therefore, the manifestation of light, life, and love must take their full cause in your life before you can manifest Him. The manifestation of the sons of God is contingent upon whether the Spirit and the truth is manifesting in them and through them. Until His word and light produce light in you, you cannot manifest Him. You cannot manifest God until you become a personification of His word, light, life, and His love. –1 John 1:5; 2:8; 1:1-7; 4:7-21.





 
For the complete message, please contact the Latter Rain Assembly Tape Ministry or Bookshop
Tel : +234(01)7739143-4; 7739140; 4968552-3; 4933684
Fax: +234(01)4922687
Email : lra@latterrainassemly.org

Saturday, 4 June 2011

Twelve Areas of The Leadership Style of Joseph

Title : Twelve Areas of The Leadership Style of Joseph
Preacher : Dr. 'Tunde Bakare


 
Main Texts: Genesis 39:1-6

“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt …the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favour in his sight, and SERVED him…” – Genesis 39:1-3

Joseph did not just become a leader over night – God took him through process – he was a seasoned leader. God does not use an untested vessel; He only uses men and women whose lives have been shaped by Him.

Joseph’s leadership style is evident in the following:

Servant-leader: The first quality in Joseph’s style of leadership is that he was a servant-leader – he served his master. Although Joseph came to Potiphar’s house as a slave, through diligent service he became an overseer. He served assiduously and painstakingly in every capacity he found himself, regardless of the congruous or preposterous nature the work may pose. He found joy in serving. The way up is the way down – if you keep on serving in any capacity you find yourself, not considering the blackguard or ridicule, you are already great. Remember, Joseph served joyfully, even in prison. Hence you must develop a mentality of serving if you want to be great. A servant-leader is not a self-serving leader, rather one with mind-set to serve the people. – Mark 9:35; 10:43; Matthew 20:26; Luke 9:48; Matthew 25:21-23; Luke 19:17.

Faithful servant-leader: Secondly, Joseph was not just a servant-leader, but also a faithful servant-leader – integrity and faithfulness were his watchwords. Joseph was a Hebrew; he did not belong to anyone with pedigree, yet, Potiphar committed all that he has in his care. He was faithful to the core. There was no single case of embezzlement or defalcation in his administration. Rather, everything that Potiphar has begun to prosper. Therefore, your nativity or tribe is not the issue; the real issue is the degree of your faithfulness. Faithfulness is an international currency – it pays every where. When you are faithful, you never can tell the good thing that will come to you as a result of your faithfulness. Increase is the reward of faithfulness. A faithful man abounds in blessings! – Matthew 24:45-47; 25:21-23; Luke 12:42-44; 19:17; 16:12.

Loyal servant-leader: Thirdly, not only was Joseph a faithful man with impeccable character; he also perceptively handled false accusation and animosity with discretion. He was sexually harassed; yet he did not show any propensity of disgust or revulsion to his duty. Joseph’s loyalty to his master restrained him from falling to Mrs. Potiphar’s promiscuous attitude and insistence lecherous proposes. Loyalty was part of his core competent. His loyalty to his master constrained him from messing around with his master’s wife and his loyalty to his God forbade him from sinning to God. Joseph deemed it an evil act to fall to his master’s wife’s enticement. Brethren, if you are not loyal to the core, opportunity will present itself for you to short-change other people. –Genesis 39:7-13.

Reliable: Until Joseph landed in prison for an offence he never committed, he never had any formal administrative background. However, the warder appointed Joseph as the chief administrative officer of Pharaoh’s prisoners’ internment. Joseph was absolutely reliable, even in confinement; he needed little or no supervision. In fact, he interpreted accurately other people’s dreams while his was yet to be fulfilled. –Genesis 39:21-23.

Faith in God’s Counsel: In spite of the animosities and ordeals Joseph went through, he strongly believed what God has said to come to pass. The ‘Lord’s counsel’ in this regard does not mean a piece of advice, rather God’s predetermined purpose. Whatever predetermined purpose of God for your life cannot be changed or voided by Satan and his cohorts combined. However, if you don’t know the counsel of God concerning your life, you cannot be established. Nonetheless, if you know it, you cannot accelerate it; you can only cooperate with it, embrace it and let God’s process take its full course. Whenever God shows or reveals to you twice, something that pertains to a particular issue in your life, it is an assurance that His counsel concerning the matter shall surely and definitely come to pass. Therefore, don’t let anything or any body talk you out of your destiny! You must stand in the counsel of God. – Genesis 41:1-32; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:11; Isaiah 46:9, 10; Job 33:14-18.

Altruistic: Joseph was a selfless leader – he showcased unselfish concern for the welfare of everyone he came to know in the course of life. He cared selflessly for his inmate colleagues. What epitomised his selflessness was the humility he demonstrated before Pharaoh by giving the king the liberty to choose whosever he will in the matter of administration regarding the impending dearth. He was also a team-player – he worked corporately with other leaders – Genesis 41:32-37.

Discreet and Wise: The seventh quality of Joseph’s leadership style was that he was prudent and judicious in his duty. He was absolutely circumspect in words and deeds; he was able to keep silence about a matter where prudence requires it. Joseph was tactful in his assignment – Genesis 41:33.

Spirit-filled: Joseph was able to exhibit discreet and wisdom in his obligation and responsibility as a result of being filled with the Spirit of God. He was a spirit-filled leader, not demon-possessed or demon-inspired. That was the secret of Joseph’s success – Genesis 41:33-38.

Living Epistle: Joseph was a gospel personified – his life brought forth the plan and purpose of God for his generation. He had lifestyle evangelism. The Spirit of God in him manifested in different kind of aspects of God’s attributes. Recognizing the manifestation of God’s Spirit in Joseph, Pharaoh named him “Zaphnath-Paaneah” meaning, “Jehovah lives and He speaks” – 2 Corinthians 3:3.

Hands-on: Joseph did not just delegate authority and responsibility, but also actively participated and supervised the administration of the entire land. It is crucial you understand that God brings people to the place of power and authority in order to serve the people, not self.

Just and Fair: In Joseph’s administration of resources, he ensured that each city had a storage centre to cater for that city – Genesis 41:47-49.

Hoarder (Saver): Joseph was not a callous leader who accumulates things and hides them away for future or for himself. He opened the store houses for the people so that they can benefit from his wisdom, skill, and ingenuity. “The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it” – Proverbs 11:26.

   
For the complete message, please contact the Latter Rain Assembly Tape Ministry or Bookshop
Tel : +234(01)7739143-4; 7739140; 4968552-3; 4933684
Fax: +234(01)4922687
Email : lra@latterrainassemly.org

Friday, 3 June 2011

How Much of God Do You Know

Title : How Much of God Do You Know
Preacher : Dr. 'Tunde Bakare


   
Main Texts: Psalms 33:6-22; Jeremiah 9:23, 24; Psalms 139:1-18; Job: 38-42:1-6; Proverbs 30:18, 19

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out.” – Romans 11:33

God is awesome, and His awesomeness surpasses human comprehension and analysis. All the hosts of heaven combined could not fathom His greatness; thus they proclaim His holiness perpetually (Isaiah 6:3). Despite the fact that two of Jesus’ disciples on the road to Emmaus had walked and worked with the Lord for almost three and half years, they did not recognize His glorified body until He opened their eyes that they might comprehend the scripture. – (Luke 24:13-32). No one can know Him except He reveals Himself to that individual. There is no other mediator between man and God apart from the Man Jesus. In spite of Paul’s encounters with the risen Christ and the great and mighty works which God did in and through him in the nations of the world, he still cried that he might know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering – (Philippians 3:7-16). Despite the fact that Elisha’s servant had been with him for many years, the timid servant was not aware of the presence of God in the seemingly inescapable assault that confronted them until God opened his eyes and he saw the protection of the Almighty God round about them (2 Kings 6:15-17). If you truly know God, there is no circumstance or situation that would frighten or threaten you. Circumstances may change and time may differ, but God’s commitment to you is eternal. Jesus paid an awesome price to ensure that no one would take you away from His hands. There is no sickness He cannot heal; there is no broken or damaged relationship he cannot solve. There is no shattered dream He cannot fix. God is not a man that He would lie nor the son of man that He would repent—He will do whatever He says. And if you truly believe His word wholeheartedly, you will not magnify your problem at God's expense.(Hebrews 13:5; Number 23:19).

It is true that the word of God commands us to pursue the knowledge of the Most High. However, our understanding and knowledge of Him differs because He fashions and wires us up differently. The ways of God are mysterious. Until they are revealed to you, any human effort or attempt to fathom them would be nothing but an exercise in futility.

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33).

There are areas that make God to be God, and there are areas that make man to be man. Therefore, it is futile, as man, to try to be all knowledgeable or better still, omniscient. That is to say, you do not have an answer for everything that happens to man under heaven. The best of seers do not see everything. It is absolutely beyond human comprehension that God could not find somebody noteworthy or significant in the entire Jericho to save and extend such mercy and loving kindness to but a renowned harlot by the name of Rahab. Moreover, in the wisdom and greatness of God, the Lord Jesus Christ came from the genealogy of Rahab according to the flesh. It is beyond human comprehension that the King of kings and Lord of lords could come through the genealogy of a professional prostitute. (2 Kings 4:25-27; Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 3:1-19; Joshua 6:17-23; Matthew 1:1-6).

It is an undisputable truth that only God is All-knowing, All-powerful, Almighty, Omnipotent, the Creator of the universe. In fact, man is yet to invent an adjectival description that could quantify His holiness. Now the fact that the holiness of God cannot be quantified, described, or comprehended by man, it surpasses the knowledge and wisdom of all the wise men combined on the face of the earth. They cannot grasp the mystery of God’s humility. The fact that God had to humble Himself in spite of all the power at His disposal is something that surpasses the knowledge of man. Humility is not an easy task! It is not easy to humble yourself when you have the wherewithal at your disposal. If God Almighty humbled Himself, who are you to be proud? If the omnipotent God could humble Himself to such level, He has set an example before us to follow. It takes the grace of God to remain humble when you are loaded with every means and substances of life. If you really desire to be exalted by God, learn how to humble yourself before Him, for He will exalt you in due season. (Psalms 113:4-6; Philippians 2: 1-11; Matthew 11:28-30; Proverbs 6:16-19).

It is also surpasses human knowledge that God, who only is holy, above sin and reproach could bow down to pick up the fallen man in his depraved state. It is unfathomable that the Holy God could become sin for man so that he can become the righteousness of God. No one can comprehend the love and compassion that God has for man. Jesus did not take away our sin; He became sin for us. This is unsearchable and unfathomable. All powerful, yet He humbled Himself. Absolutely holy, yet He became sin for us. Brethren, you cannot fathom His ways; you can only thank Him for it. You are yet to know God! (Psalms 145:14, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:6-8).

   
For the complete message, please contact the Latter Rain Assembly Tape Ministry or Bookshop
Tel : +234(01)7739143-4; 7739140; 4968552-3; 4933684
Fax: +234(01)4922687
Email : lra@latterrainassemly.org

Thursday, 2 June 2011

The Paradox of Our Faith

Title : The Paradox of Our Faith
Preacher : Dr. 'Tunde Bakare



Main Text: Psalms 73:1-28

It is unfortunate that the other side of our faith, that is, the paradox, is not being given adequate attention and emphasis as we do with the positive side of our Christian experience. That is, when things do not add up as we expect, when God does not appear to make sense to us, especially during hardship, adverse circumstance, and seemingly overwhelming and daunting situation, when we are confronted by inconceivable happenings, you would not find a billboard that advertises the paradox of our faith. We only advertise the Jesus that saves, delivers, sets free, baptises in the Holy Spirit, prospers, heals, blesses, and gives answers and solution to all and every problem that confronts man on the face of the earth. Though those things are true, the other side of our faith is when God does not appear to make sense to us in our negative situation.

As a believer, it is high time you settled it in your mind that when it appears that God is doing nothing about your situation God is actually doing something. In other words, when it appears that nothing is happening, something is actually happening. When you lay hold on the promises of God as regard to your situation and circumstances, but it seems nothing is happening, you need to believe that something is really happening. These things must be settled in your spirit because we do not know everything about our great God. We do understand that God brought His people out of Egypt with a high and mighty hand; however, it is beyond our comprehension to grasp the wisdom of the same God who saved His people with such great arm could lead them to the place where it appeared that they would be sandwiched by the red sea and the great army of insubordinate and cruel Pharaoh. At that moment, the children ofIsrael cried out to Moses for help because it appeared that the God who brought them out of Egypt had gone on vacation. However, their belief and perception of God were proved wrong by the unprecedented breakthrough which God demonstrated. Brethren, when it appears God is doing nothing about your problem, let it be settled in your spirit without any whit or iota of doubt that He is actually working behind the scene on your behalf and in your favour, you may not understand though.

One would have thought that God would come to the aid of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego and show Himself strong on their behalf before they were wrapped and thrown into the burning fiery furnace having showcased their undaunted faith and gritty determination by defying the order of the ferocious king Nebuchadnezzar. It did not appear that God was doing something when those devout men were being enwrapped. It appeared that the end had come for them. But the truth of the matter was that God was doing something and He showed forth Himself very strong on their behalf and delivered them with a great arm – (Daniel 3:1-30).

Daniel’s case also epitomised the paradox of our faith. Daniel did not find it funny when he was being thrown into the lion’s den for defying the decree of the king. As far as the king and his people were concerned, God was not doing anything; He was actually doing something though. Brethren, no matter the degree of your pain and grief, when it appears that God is doing nothing, He is working the best out of your situation. He may not show up when you expect; He will definitely show up at the best time because He is God but we are not. He is the only One that knows all things and can do all things – (Daniel 6:1-28).

No one could have thought that Mordecai would escape the death sentence that was hung on him and the impending massacre on the Jews. Although Mordecai believed God, neither him nor Esther was aware that God was doing something behind the scene in their favour. It appeared God was not doing anything to save him and his people from the king’s death sentence and decree; what He did turned out to be the best. Brethren, you may not know how God would do it, but when He appears, it will surely be the best solution. Be encouraged and do not let your pain becloud your reasoning. Do not let your pain and grief magnify your problem more than God. Never assume that God’s silence or His apparent inactivity is evidence of His disinterest. He is interested in you to show forth His glory and praise – (Esther 4-8).

It does not mean that our prayers are not being heard when something contrary to our prayers happens to us. It does not mean that we are not being heard if our prayers do not bring immediate relief; it simply means God has another plan. If you base your conviction on your feelings when your prayer does not bring immediate relief, you may end up serving other gods. If you base your conviction on your emotions, when things do not go the way you think, you may curse God in your heart. Rather, let your conviction be based upon the written word of God because He has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. God is too faithful to abandon His own in their pain. There is greater reason why He allows or permits whatever happens to you to happen. Your flesh may be crying under the anguish and agony of pain, but the truth of the matter is this: there is no place in the entire Bible where God has failed at one point or another. – Psalms 139:7-10; Isaiah 49:15-17; 1 Peters 3:12.

Brethren, do not quit praying. That is what the enemy wants to accomplish. When you stop praying, you start entertaining all kinds of thoughts: you allege that God has failed you; you allege and confirm that your problem is bigger than God; consequently, you are overwhelmed that your problem has overcome you. Brethren, you need to know that you are more than a conqueror. There is a victory in you that overcomes the world — your faith. Consider Job and the end intended by God. What he went through was nothing but a paradox of our faith. When it appears that God is silent, He has an end intended on His mind. He has a better plan for you — His compassion and mercy are kissing each other over your life, and the world will glorify God on your be half.
For the complete message, please contact the Latter Rain Assembly Tape Ministry or Bookshop
Tel : +234(01)7739143-4; 7739140; 4968552-3; 4933684
Fax: +234(01)4922687
Email : lra@latterrainassemly.org

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

The Prince of God

Title : The Prince of God
Preacher : Pastor 'Bank Akinmola


   
Main Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Genesis 32:24-28; Isaiah 43:1, 7

“…Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new CREATION; OLD THINGS have passed away; behold, ALL THINGS have become NEW.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17.

“…But now, thus says the Lord, who CREATED you, O Jacob, and He who FORMED you, O Israel: fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine…everyone who is called by My name, whom I have CREATED for My glory; I have FORMED him, yes, I have MADE him” – Isaiah 43:1, 7

In view of the previous teachings on the emerging Joseph generation, it is obvious and incontrovertible that every vision-oriented Christian would aspire the leadership style of Joseph. Just as Joseph was a quintessence, personification, and icon of excellence, every blood-believer would long to operate in such excellent spirit and showcase same extraordinary character in all human endeavours and every given situation. In this regard, it is sure that everyone experiences being a new creation at conversion. However, it is indubitably that not everyone who has experienced being a new creation exhibits the fullness of the package of salvation—manifesting the nature and character of God in all ramifications. The ultimate plan and purpose of God for every Christian on the face of the earth is to bring them to the place of not only to reign with Him but also to reign on His behalf on earth. Therefore, when we are changed into a new creation at conversion, God will take us through process in order to purify, purge, and prune us of every excess of Adamic nature so that we can walk and operate as prince of God on earth. Hence, manifesting the nature of God is not an automatic experience! God will take us through process in order to make us His princes.

In our Christian race, there are three phases of process that an individual will go through in order to become a prince of God. The first phase is being a new creation. You become a new creation by surrendering your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His word. Subsequently, the old man is buried through identification with the death of Jesus at baptism. And because old things have passed away, all things then become new. However, from the first facet where we become a new creation to the third part where all things become new, it can take a donkey’s years or life time, even. Thus, it is pertinent that we understand that God has a plan from getting the old things passed away so that all things can become new. Joseph did not become a world-class leader over night; God took him through process—he was seasoned—it was not an automatic fulfilment of his great dreams.

Now to be a new creation is a pass over experience—thirty fold Christianity. “Old things passed away”—sixty fold Christianity—Pentecost experience. “All things become new”—hundred fold Christianity—tabernacle experience. These three facets experience have been made available in Christ.

However, it is unfortunate that we concentrate on becoming like Joseph but fail to realise the process that produced Joseph. It is unfortunate that we emphasize on the good things that accompany salvation but failed to realise the process that will produce the good things. Joseph is a picture of what you and I want to be, but Jacob is the frame that holds the picture. In other words, you and I cannot be part of the emerging Joseph generation unless we have been taken through the process that changed Jacob to Israel. Jacob is a type of our old nature which you and I possessed before we were brought into the kingdom by the atone sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Nonetheless, according to the election of grace, God has chosen to work in us so that so that He can work His works through us. God is not looking for a perfect man whom He will use, but rather a man that He will form with His hand and shape into His image, ready for the Master use. –Romans 9:13; 2 Timothy 2:21.

Literally, a prince is one who is related to the king. In like manner, God does not only want us to carry His resemblance but also carry His image and exercise dominion and authority on earth.—He desires to make us Israel—prince of God. Therefore, it is important that you take cognisance that Jacob was created while Israel was formed. In other words, the former possessed the nature of the first Adam—a living being—while the latter possessed the nature of the last Adam—a life-giving Spirit. The former is created and formed while the latter is made into God’s image. The difference between Jacob and Israel is the process that you and I will go through in order to be changed from being a supplanter into Israel—prince of God.1 Corinthians 15:45.

In all the great biblical figures it was in Jacob that God demonstrated the complete process of salvation—created, formed, and made. The bottom line is that: God want to make you and I persons that have prevailed with God and man. Hence, Jacob was a man whose life was processed, and consequently produced a Joseph that reigned with God. There would be no Joseph without a Jacob. You cannot become prince of God if you would not wholeheartedly receive grace to through the process of becoming prince–Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:19-24.

If you will recognise the process that produced Joseph, then you will showcase Joseph’s style of leadership in your dealings in any given situation as God works His work in you through the dealings of the Holy Spirit. However, it takes time to be changed from being a stone to a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, and ultimately a sure foundation that can stand the test of time and reign on God’s behalf on earth. If you really believe what God has said or shown you as far as your destiny is concerned, then you will not make haste, but receive grace to endure the time and process in becoming a prince of God. It takes a considerable time to be great, not automatic–Isaiah 28:16.



   
For the complete message, please contact the Latter Rain Assembly Tape Ministry or Bookshop
Tel : +234(01)7739143-4; 7739140; 4968552-3; 4933684
Fax: +234(01)4922687
Email : lra@latterrainassemly.org