[OnyemaChika]

I agree with your points as stipulated out rightly that, the owner steward principle by being God’s creation is just up to us, what kind of steward we will be. Whether we treat the things God owns with respect.

Our giving is always an act of obedience, we respond to the directions of the holy spirit concerning obedience and faint in the area of giving to the various interests of God. We live in a world of opportunities to give to the different.

Another giving principle is to be sacrificially. In God’s economy, the amount sacrificed always supersedes the amount given, the joy that comes from the sacrifices. Not the number David understood this. He was presented with everything needed for a sacrifice but refused to take it without paying. This echoes in 2 Samuel 24;24. We have some benefits of sacrificial giving which is similar to the cushion effect of saving for a rainy day, your sacrificial giving to God could be the panacea for sustaining you in your days of lack 1 King 17;7-16 limited blessings not just for you alone but also for your loved ones. 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Gen 22;17 KJV

[OnyemaChika]

I agree with you on the emphasis of the Zarephath woman who spotted an opportunity to give that changed her life and generations through a biblical principle of giving and prioritizing giving. This demonstration shows the mindset of the woman when she eventually accepted to make a meal for the man of God first and then subsequent times, She unlocks her provision by the act of giving sacrificially that sustained her during the drought as seen in 1 Kings 17;13-16. Concerning the scripture proverbs 11;24-25 says “ There is one who scatters yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right but it leads to poverty.

The salient point drawn here is faith in God’s promises which the widow concurred with the prophet Elijah reaffirming that she would be provided for, which energized her to move from the realm of poverty to the realm of abundance. We can see the ripple effect of her obedience to Prophet Elijah and sacrificially, Also unlocks intervention and miracles for her.

17 Sometime later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse and finally stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?” 23 Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!” 1Kings 17; 17-18,23

[OnyemaChika]

As Christians how we should give and follow the lead of our generous God by identifying giving as follows:
1. Prioritizing giving
2. Giving proportionately
3. Giving sacrificially
4. Giving cheerfully
PRIORITIZING GIVING: In Proverb. 3:9 explains that we are to give our first and our best. Hence, the first fruits are the best and most desirable part of a harvest. This is what God require from us, making a conscious decision to set aside our selfish desires and focus on the love and grace of Jesus Christ. God gave us Jesus Christ to save mankind from sin that was God’s best giving his only son his first and best. Giving should be a priority.

PROPORTIONAL GIVING means that your gift is in proportion to your income.
Proportionate giving is giving Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 8:3, where he commended the Macedonians for giving according to their ability. He had earlier encouraged the Corinthians to give as they had prospered, 1st Corinthians 16:2. God owns it all and He gave us a gift that cannot be matched with Jesus.

GIVING SACRIFICIALLY is unusual, excellent, outstanding, painful, and extraordinary giving that costs you much to attract God’s attention to your life. Sacrificial giving is a demand from a higher love to know your level of life, worship, commitment, and service for him. Gen. 22:28.
Here we say giving is not also going to feel very good, there is some pain associated with it when we give sacrificially. David said No He will not give to God what will not cost him anything. 2 Samuel 24:24.

GIVING CHEERFULLY: Here God finds pleasure in the crushing of his only son, Jesus, why did He do that? He did that because He looked into the lens of eternity and saw the outcome and that is how we ought to give, which is our guideline for giving as believers. Where should we give? Is it to our local church or giving to other ministries? The answer is to give to your local church first because that’s God’s plan for advancing his church, through your tithe which is the first giving and your offering of all your income and earnings.
Now if you are the one that gives 10% or more give cheerfully, and then if you are the one that has not given before start somewhere.

So let’s give for the sake of advancing God’s kingdom, our community and around the world.

[OnyemaChika]

Reply to Soton Iselobhor

I agree with you in this discussion however when we ask the question, why is it important for you to praise God for your answers before you see them?

This kind of praise is the highest expression of faith in believing in God.

Here praise which serves as a tool for faith in God, shifts our focus from the challenge to the answer. Faith in praising God for answered prayers before we see them is built up and we have more confidence in the ability of God that we have received what we ask for.

Another point that caught my attention is when you mention, praise making the waiting period easier. Praise moves our focus to the answers and manifestation of the power of God, which eliminates doubt and worry thence enjoying the peace that passes all understanding.

Praise is another weapon that triggers a miraculous show of answered prayer. In the case of Jehoshaphat in 2nd Chronicle 20 where the king organized a choir in front of the army that brought about supernatural change and victory for God’s people, and also Paul and Silas while in the prison, praised God before their manifestation came which is their ransom.

If we are engrossed with the problems of life, we rather move our focus of faith in God than not receive anything from God as the book of James said.

[OnyemaChika]

Reply to Sarah Ajakaiye

I agree that praise is the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something. Also expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship (Oxford Dictionary).

You mentioned shifting your focus from the challenges you are facing to the goodness of God, praise helps align your heart with God’s and find solace as you wait. With praise you get to the heart of God as David us to, that caught God’s attention and God called him a friend after his heart because He inhabits in the praise of his people.

Yes, as you mention Andrew Wommack in his book “Effect of Praise” says living a life of praise is not only the most enjoyable way to live, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to challenge your life, for instance when you are faced with a life-threatening situation, I think the only way to come out of it, is through praise because praise tends towards faith to believe that it is done.

You also talked about creating an atmosphere for what he has said, faith born out of praise appropriates and takes possession of what Jesus has already done.

Finally, praise aligns our minds toward God and his word as we face life’s challenges.

[OnyemaChika]

Praise helps you remember who you are and who God is. Praise enlist God’s protection. When you praise God for answers to your prayers before you see them.
It is important to praise God for your answers before you see them.
1. PRAISE HELPS YOU SENSE GOD’S PRESENCE: God is always present whether you sense it or not. Sometimes we don’t feel his presence, but that’s because we have moved away from him. He has not. When you don’t feel God’s presence is when you need to praise Him the most. It is easier to act your way into a feeling than feel you way into an action. In fact, maturity is when we do what’s right whether we feel like or not. “Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence” Ps. 140:13.
2. PRAISE ENLARGES YOUR PERCEPTION OF GOD: When we look at something with a magnifying glass, through praise it gets bigger. When God gets bigger, our problems get smaller. “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Ps. 69:30.
3. PRAISE HELPS US REMEMBER GOD’S BLESSING: Often when we are thinking about a big problem, it’s all we can thing about. E.g. when you have a fight with your spouse, it tends to become everything you think about. But praise will correct the imbalance. It will remind you that not everything in your life is bad. Ps. 105.
4. PRAISE ENLIST GOD’S PROTECTION: When you praise God for an answer to your prayer before it happens, that’s faith and that’s when God begin to fight for you. 2 Chron. 20, we read about three enemy nations who ganged up on Israel. The only chance Israel had was for God to miraculously fight battle for them. So, King Jehoshaphat organised an unusual battle plan. He put a choir in front of the army as they marched into battle.
5. PRAISE BREAKS CHAINS AND OPENS DOORS: You or your members probably have certain things holding you back you might feel struck, like nothing has changed in your life for the better. It sounds odd, but there in on better time for you to thank God than right now. The case of Paul and Silas in the prison, in the middle of the night, the two decided to have a praise session, as they praised God, the bible says. Act 16:26

[OnyemaChika]

I agree with your points where you say that a believer can develop his character by renewing his mind so that the enemy (Satan) does not gain access to his mind and begin to attack him against the right, he has as a believer.
Don’t make God’s word conform to your lifestyle, rather make your lifestyle conform to God’s word. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’’ Romans 12:2
Now how we renew our minds is as follows;
a) Daily Prayer
b) Daily reading of the bible
c) Daily meditating on the word of God. “This book of the law shall not depart out from your mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’’ Joshua 1:8
d) By choosing a godly character trait
e) Church Attendance; “Not forsaken the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’’ Hebrew 10:25
The renewal of mind in a believer’s character makes him kingdom-minded and constant renewing of mind until Jesus comes helps mature the believer’s character in running this race.

[OnyemaChika]

CHIKA CONSTANCE ONYEMA

Before I go on to answer this question, there is a need to define Renewal of mind as the process where we take the word of God, put it in our mind, and then allow it to grow in our Spirit.

A believer is a spirit, he’s not part spirit, and He’s a spirit being. He has a soul – mind, will and emotions – and he lives in a body. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrew 4:12
Believers must learn how to let the man- the spirit man on the inside – dominate their soul and body. That will solve many problems in the body as far as the devil is concerned. As believers let their recreated spirits dominate, they will learn how not to give the devil any access.

You need to understand that it’s not the outward man that becomes a new creature it is the inward man – Man’s spirit that becomes a new creature in Christ because all things have not become new in your body and soul. That means you still have your outward man to deal with because as long as you are in your body, you will have the desires of the fleshly carnal nature and the unredeemed soul to control, and that is the realm where Satan tries to gain access to man.

Developing your character by renewing of mind is as follows;
1) Through spending time with the Lord in studying the word of God ‘’ Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.’’ Psalm 119:9. ‘’ Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ‘’John15:3
2) Through meditating on the word of God and the eternal things which is the primary source. “This book of the law shall not depart out from your mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success”. Joshua 1:8
3) In developing character through renewing of your mind by praying daily because in praying God leads and directs us in our paths, ’ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’’. 2corinthians 4:16
4) By intentionally choosing a godly character trait. ‘Now we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.’’ Romans6:4. ‘’21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness Ephesians 4:21-24
5) Another is by worship and praise – A believer can constantly renew his mind by praising God always so as not to allow the rubbish of the enemy to get to him easily.

[OnyemaChika]

I agree with what and how you approach that lady in getting her to accept Christ. This experience of sharing the gospel is a Spiritual exercise and we need to wholly depend on the Holy Spirit for the leading and prompting. He hears us when we ask for help, because He is the one that convicts the sinners, for ours is to open our mouth and he will fill it with words i.e. the right words even. These words are faith-filled and are called seeds. As Christ Ambassador. Against all odds you were able to go through with the gospel of Jesus Christ, without emphasizing the magnitude of her sins as was taught in this lesson, though you went out in pair (Partner) 1. “After these things the Lord appointed other Seventy also, and sent them two am two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come” Luke 10:1. However you struck a balance between interacting with a target in their level and uncompromising the power that is relevant showing that you are different.

[OnyemaChika]

Share a recent experience (at least two months ago) in sharing the gospel with someone stressing the important aspects of the conversation.
What was the main thrust of your conversation?
How did the person respond, were they open and responsive to the gospel?
Did it result in a decision to accept Christ as Lord?
With hindsight would you do differently?

Two months ago sharing the gospel with someone exactly on campus where we went for students invite for a program as we know it ‘’Generation Shift’’ that holds every last Saturday of the month. In the process I met two ladies walking by, meeting them was my target sharing the good news with them. Immediately I initiated the Holy Spirit within me to help draw them because he is the one that draw them men unto himself.
I approached them, greeted and introduced myself to them and requested theirs. I trusted the Holy Spirit for the right word to say and God’s leading with strategy to woo them to Christ. Sharing the word quoting 8. ‘’But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that god hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14. How then shall they call on him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:8-10, 13-15.
However the word was sown there was no argument, I asked with what we have shared and heard is there any one that want to accept Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour? Meaning it from their heart say the salvation prayer. Then I prayed for her because one of them accepted Christ not the two. She mentioned her name as I requested, but she was far from where the bus picks students and I encouraged her to look for a Bible believing Church where she can grow her faith.

[OnyemaChika]

Replying to Nnachi

I agree to your statement that good works stems out of a relationship with Jesus Christ was actually imparted in us at new birth and into our recreated human spirit, where we were required to remain that way, and having that seed planted in man as soon as one receives Christ, However one needs to develop that seed or else the seed will remain stunt. And will not yield fruit or harvest of the word of God.

This said good works that stems out of a relationship with Jesus was receive by grace Bible say not of works that any man should boast. Again it comes as light which God is light himself. The word of God is light and it gives light to the simple, we are to shine as light through the word of God in this perverse world and at the same time witnessing to those around our vicinity and society at large. As our human spirit is recreated, so we continue walking in the spirit Romans 8:4-5 which is constant renewing of our mind because we have a soul that lives in the body, and there has been constant battle between the body and soul, with this we know that this good works is about living out a godly character that will affect others ie. sinners even drawing them to Christ sometimes without preaching to them, perhaps the seed of the word of God that has been sown to that sinner but in his indecisive mood he sees a character proven and shown he/she just concluded accepting Christ and joining that fellow to their church.

[OnyemaChika]

Reply to Benny4real
I agree with you that there are some of the reasons why some churches have not been successful in soul wining (Evangelism).

1. A means of condemning unbelievers: self-righteousness has been a set back to the body of Christ where some believers see themselves as holy and others as sinners. Therefore telling them to repent or you go to hell fire. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance Matt 9:13 do not emphasis on the magnitude of their sins rather draw close to them so as not to destroy the ability of drawing to Christ.
2. Evangelism does not begin from the position of authority.
3. Evangelism is not an opportunity for self-aggrandizement in that it’s the mandate of Christ to the church go ye to the world and preach the gospel but not the other way round where some contemporary churches will use that as a medium to advertise their achievements on air missing the core message of saving the lost souls. In all our focus should gear towards the heart of the father which is evangelism.

[OnyemaChika]

In replying to this subject we said that the fall of man cause as a result of man’s disobedience to God’s instruction, which is God’s command that led to the effects man has been suffering from since the creation of the world up until now.

This disobedience gave rise to man being separated from God from the moment man ate the forbidden fruit their eyes were open to know that they were both naked which wasn’t in the plan of God, God had wanted a real fellowship with man so that they can be relating as father and children, Gen. 3:8. Paint a picture of God walking in the garden in the cool evening.

At a point God wanted the fellowship back because He was missing man’s relationship with him even though He caused man accordingly, out of annoyance but he indirectly instituted another provision by offering of animal blood as attornment of man’s sin, but this couldn’t restore complete fellowship with God.

Man completely died a spiritual and physical death, spiritual death is where they couldn’t fellowship with God again while the physical death is where they were evicted from the Garden of Eden so that they will not have access to the tree of life. Also their land was caused, the land God gave them to enjoy fruits of blessed land from creation.

[OnyemaChika]

GOOD WORKS THAT STEM OUT OF A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST JESUS ARE WITNESSES FOR JESUS “BEARING IN MIND THAT WE CANNOT SAVED BY GOOD WORKS (EPH. 2:8-9).
GIVE VALIDITY TO THIS STATEMENT OR STATE OTHERWISE.

In answering and giving validity to this statement I will go by explaining what relationship and witness means:

RELATIONSHIP: The way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected.

WITNESS: a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place

Good works that stem out of a good relationship with Christ Jesus is as a bench mark of God that witness for both Christ and God. This witness evidence comes in as light in the dark and perverse world. A Christian good character will be a witness to the dark world, their good character will also shine as light in a dark and perverse world.

By this it keeps us in the light and walk as children of light where one constantly purify himself by the word of God that cleanses him.

Our life are supposed to be transparent and translucent (i.e.) something that allows light to pass through it. The light in one can expose darkness. The good character developed not of works can consciously change a sinner to be converted, when we say not saved by good works; we mean we were dead in sin before Christ reached out and saved us. The same way the sinner will be saved through our good character witnessed to, exposed light to them without fellowshipping with it. This exposure comes with godly character and the end result is to pull that unbeliever to Christ.

Good works that stem out of relationship with Christ Jesus are witnesses for Jesus when it prevent the way of truth to be evil spoken of 2nd Peter 2:3, question is there anything in a Christian character that might cause people to back away from Christianity?

You see, it’s bad when blasphemy comes from the Christian because the enemy wants to cause God’s people to speak against Him, e.g. sickness where this child of God did not recognised that he/she will develop their character of faith in God concerning their healing the enemy will take hold of that inability of not knowing that they were healed to deal with them and hence they start speaking ill words against God, which is the collateral damage by the enemy.

Being conscious on the watchful eye on the presence of God will give our love on faith of God in a way that attract people to Christ and not repel them on him.

[OnyemaChika]

REPLY TO NNACHI
Lets Get This, The Place where you were born is not a function of where your purpose will be fulfilled. Whether or not Rebecah came from a wealthy home does not change her from being the right wife for Isaac and also prayer answered for both Abrahim and his servant who they swore together. Gen24:9 So the Servant Put his hand under the thigh of his Master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter. This is purely Service that took Rebecah to her place of Honour. Rebecah had the right attitude in that she did not wait for anyone to dictate a God given opportunity, she discovered for herself.
While Joseph in the prison served as a dream interpreter that took him to Potipha’s house. Joseph served willingly and faithfully that made his Boss Potipha made him ruler and in charge of everything up until contrary with Potipha’s wife that set him up for Honour.
Both Joseph and Rebecah had the right attitude, which we say that attitude is the state of the mind. Faithfullness in service should run through all stages in life.
Hence it Takes greatness to become a servant and servant to become greatman.

[Author]

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