Tag: faith

We Need to Uphold Trust in Christ and Protect the Church from Political Facades

January 24th, 2025

The church holds a unique place as the body of Christ, tasked with reflecting God’s justice, mercy, and truth. In times when political agendas seek to align with the church, they do so for influence or legitimacy. The body of Christ then faces a significant challenge. It must remain discerning and faithful to its divine mission without becoming entangled in worldly systems. Political partnerships might seem to benefit the church’s interests. However, they often come with hidden compromises. These can undermine the church’s integrity and mission.

This trend is disheartening. This is especially so considering our belief in the promises of Christ. He “… will build [His] church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). It is also our belief that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). These truths affirm that the church’s foundation and future are secure in Christ. Yet, paradoxically, we often rely on earthly systems to support the church’s societal leaning. We sometimes do this to advance the God-given mission, which reflects a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty. This compromise weakens the church’s witness. It opens the door to deception and manipulation. This deception paves the way for ungodly agendas to infiltrate and undermine the church.

The Danger of Political Facades

Political agendas often present themselves as champions of Christian values, promising moral reform or religious freedom. However, as history and Scripture reveal, these facades frequently conceal ulterior motives rooted in power, division, and oppression. While such partnerships appear advantageous, they can dilute the church’s prophetic voice and mission.

The Bible warns that deception will characterize the Antichrist’s rise. He gains trust through a facade of righteousness. Then, he turns against and insults the very foundation of the institution he appeared to support. “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

This principle extends beyond a future figure. The spirit of the Antichrist is already at work (1 John 4:3). It manifests in systems and movements that mimic godliness. These systems inherently oppose the principles and policies of God’s kingdom. Political facades exploit the church’s trust. They use its influence for selfish or oppressive purposes. But in practice they desecrate and betray the sacred mission they claimed to uphold.

The Risks of Political Compromise

1. Dilution of the Gospel

Relying on political systems shifts the church’s focus from Christ-centered ministry to worldly agendas. The eternal message of the gospel becomes secondary to transient political goals, compromising its transformative power. Whereas “[some] trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

2. Manipulation of the Church’s Authority

Political alliances often exploit the church’s moral authority for legitimacy, entangling it in agendas that may later contradict biblical values. This damages the church’s credibility and witness.

3. Opening the Door to Deception

As the church seeks political favour, it risks unknowingly aligning with ungodly systems that lead to greater harm. The enemy of the church often disguises his schemes as allies. “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24)

4. Loss of Prophetic Voice

The church is called to speak truth to power, advocating for justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). Entanglement with political systems hinders the church’s ability to critique those systems and hold them accountable.

5. Eroding Trust in Christ’s Sovereignty

Seeking political solutions undermines the church’s trust in God’s promise to sustain and advance His kingdom. This reliance signals a deeper lack of faith in the sufficiency of God’s power and provision.

How the Church Must Respond

The church’s mission is not to depend on political power but on faithfulness to Christ and His commission. To guard against deception and compromise, the church must:

1. Renew Confidence in God’s Promises

Christ has proclaimed that He will build His church, and nothing can prevail against it. The church must place its trust in the sufficiency of God’s power rather than transient political systems. He said, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:9–10).

2. Exercise Discernment

Leaders should evaluate all partnerships based on biblical principles, steering clear of alliances that compromise the church’s mission or integrity. We have encountered instances where the church portrayed political leaders as regenerated. However, those involved proved otherwise. For “By their fruit, you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20).

3. Prioritize the Great Commission

The church must remain focused on making disciples, teaching obedience to Christ, and reflecting His love and justice. Political shortcuts cannot achieve the eternal transformation that comes through the gospel. The assignment remains the same everywhere—from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It says: “Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). The historical golden age of the church was thought to be a time of immense political support and alignment. However, this was also the beginning of mammoth rot and corruption that endured till now.

4. Stand as a Prophetic Voice

The church must courageously critique ungodly systems and speak the truth in love. The church must advocate for justice, mercy, and humility. It should do this even when it is unpopular. The church must avoid buying into deceptive facades that seem supportive.

5. Remain Watchful Against Deception

Scripture cautions that false messiahs and misleading systems will try to infiltrate the church. A vigilant, prayerful, and Spirit-led church will be able to discern and resist these influences.

Faithful to the Mission

The church’s strength lies not in political alliances and agendas. It lies in the promises of God and commitment to the objectives of the great commission. No matter how attractive, political facades can never fulfill the church’s mission. Instead, they risk entangling the body of Christ in compromises. These compromises erode its witness and dilute its message. They also open the door to ungodly influences.

Now more than ever, the church must reaffirm its trust in Christ as the builder and sustainer of His body. The church can shine as a light in the darkness by rejecting political shortcuts. It also needs to exercise discernment and remain faithful to the Great Commission. Let us hold fast to this truth. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Let us trust in the One who has already overcome the world.
Shouldn’t We Start to Call for a Return to Scriptural Foundations away from these Distortions of Cultic Christianity?

January 16th, 2025

Cultic Christianity, though often cloaked in religious language, unveils a profound departure from the purity of the gospel. This system thrives on human glorification, veiled humanism, and transactional spirituality, which subvert the foundational truths of Christ’s finished work. To understand the dangers of these practices, we must compare their characteristics with the infallible truths of Scripture.

A core feature of cultic Christianity is its exaltation of human authority. Followers are taught to revere leaders and ministry lineages above their allegiance to Christ. This practice is reminiscent of Paul’s rebuke to the Corinthian church:

“For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:4).

The church in Corinth fractured because of misplaced loyalties. Paul reminded them that all ministers are mere instruments through whom God works, not objects of allegiance. When human authority is elevated, Christ is relegated to a secondary position, undermining the unity of the Spirit. The focus must return to Christ alone, the cornerstone of the faith (Ephesians 2:20).

Cultic systems subtly diminish the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross by promoting the necessity of human “covering.” Believers are taught that spiritual growth, prosperity, and access to divine blessings depend on alignment under specific leaders. This teaching contradicts the central message of redemption:

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).

Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying that His sacrifice was both complete and sufficient for all. The idea that believers require additional intermediaries undermines the priesthood of Christ and diminishes the believer’s direct access to God through Him (Hebrews 4:16).

Cultic Christianity wraps humanism in layers of mysticism, presenting spirituality as an elusive pursuit reserved for a select few that you need to connect to. The gospel, however, offers simplicity and clarity. Paul expressed concern for the Corinthians, warning against being led astray from “the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Mystified spirituality creates dependency on human intermediaries, who claim to possess secret insights. This veiled humanism traps believers in fear and confusion, diverting them from the clarity of God’s Word. The gospel is not a hidden mystery for a privileged class but a revealed truth available to all who seek it.

Cultic Christianity validates revelation based on ministry lineage rather than the authority of Scripture. This practice is a stark departure from the noble example of the Bereans, who were commended for testing even Paul’s teachings against the Scriptures:

“They received the word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Revelation divorced from Scripture is deception. Any teaching, no matter how profound or popular, must be weighed against the unchanging standard of God’s Word. Truth originates from God, not from human institutions or genealogies.

One of the most grievous distortions of cultic Christianity is the condemnation of the poor. By equating material wealth with righteousness, it labels the economically disadvantaged as cursed or sinful. James rebukes such discrimination, stating:

“Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” (James 2:5).

The gospel transcends earthly status. Christ’s ministry consistently uplifted the marginalized, from the widow’s offering to His declaration that the poor are blessed (Luke 6:20). Material poverty is not a measure of spiritual worth. Condemning those Christ died for is a betrayal of the gospel’s inclusivity.

Cultic Christianity frequently reduces spiritual mentorship and covering to a commercial exchange, requiring monetary gifts as a condition for access. This practice stands in direct opposition to Jesus’ instruction:

“Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

Peter’s sharp rebuke of Simon the Sorcerer highlights the seriousness of such a mindset:

“Your money perish with you, because you thought the gift of God could be purchased” (Acts 8:20).

The gifts of God cannot be bought or earned. True spiritual leadership operates on the principles of generosity and service, reflecting the selfless nature of Christ.

Cultic Christianity undermines the essence of the gospel by exalting human authority, belittling Christ’s sacrifice, mystifying faith, and monetizing spirituality. The solution lies in a return to the unchanging truths of Scripture:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

The gospel exalts Christ alone, centers on the sufficiency of His work, and is accessible to all. It calls believers to test every teaching against Scripture and reject practices that deviate from its truths.

As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the light of His Word, forsaking human traditions that undermine the faith. Only by upholding the purity of the gospel can we stand as faithful stewards of the truth entrusted to us.
From Bethlehem to Eternity – Stay Awake for His Return

January 2nd, 2025

Bethlehem marked the dawn of a journey that reshaped eternity. In a manger, the eternal Word entered time. The Creator stepped into His creation, wrapped in frailty, and robed in humility. Angels sang peace over a darkened world. Shepherds stood in awe at heaven’s unfolding plan. Bethlehem was no conclusion; it was the beginning of redemption’s mission—a cradle leading unerringly to a cross.

From Manger to Calvary, Christ fulfilled God’s promises of rescue and restoration. Yet the story pressed forward. The resurrection shattered death’s grip, proclaiming His victory. The ascension lifted Him to glory, pointing toward a triumphant return. Bethlehem stands as a beacon of God’s faithfulness; and His first coming guarantees the certainty of His second.

Today, we dwell between manger and trumpet. Bethlehem beckons us to rejoice in His birth, but eternity calls us to readiness. The world missed Him once, unprepared for His arrival in weakness. We cannot miss Him again. The Lamb who knelt in humility will return as the Lion who reigns in majesty.

From Bethlehem to eternity, His story summons us. It commands vigilance. It stirs hope. It inspires readiness. As we celebrate the manger, we lift our eyes to the heavens. His journey calls us to live alert, awaiting the King’s return.

Caught Off Guard

Life often strikes with sudden blows as a knock shakes the door. A deadline looms unspoken. Forgotten plans scatter our minds, and we scramble, clutching at moments already gone. But ponder a greater reality. The King of Kings will descend. His arrival will shake creation. His voice will thunder. His presence will fill the skies. Can you stand prepared?

I recall missing a flight to a city east of Nigeria years ago for a preaching engagement. A slight delay deceived me, and I let my focus wander to another demand. I missed the notice of early boarding. When I reached the boarding gate, it was sealed. My pleas to be allowed through fell on deaf ears. My path became tangled with hours of delay and struggle. The disruption cost me precious time, rerouted my flight, and demanded energy I had not planned to give.

That day, I learned a sharp truth. Missing a flight frustrates plans, but missing Christ’s return will seal destinies. One can be repaired, but the other will hold eternal weight. Are you ready for the trumpet’s call, or will distractions rob you of that sacred moment? The stakes are higher than we imagine. Prepare yourself. Watch the horizon. Choose vigilance over ease. Eternity stands before you.

Breaking Down the Call to Readiness

“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”

Jesus spoke with authority in Matthew 24:42–44. His words cut through indifference. Stay awake. This is no mere suggestion; it’s a command to cultivate spiritual readiness. He called for a heart anchored in faith and obedience. He demanded a life aligned with divine purpose. Friends, complacency must die, for readiness requires focus. Readiness is intentional and never passive. It demands persistence, not just occasional spurts of effort. Each day becomes sacred, a gift to steward well. We are called to live as if eternity rests on our every action choice.

Do your actions mirror God’s eternal priorities? Does your heart burn with readiness to meet the Lord, who is coming for those who love His apoearing? Or have distractions dulled your vision? Imagine a watchman standing on the city wall. His gaze sweeps across the horizon, searching for any signs of movement. He understands what’s at stake. His focus intensifies. His vigilance offers protection. Like him, you must stay alert. Guard your faith with unyielding diligence. Stay awake. The King is coming. The moment will be sudden. Eternity is pressing near.

“If the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.”

Jesus vividly illustrated this truth: A thief comes unannounced, disrupting peace and shattering security. If the homeowner had known the hour, he would have prepared and stood watch, safeguarding what mattered most. This image warns with urgency. Christ’s return will be sudden, like the thief’s. The unknown timing demands readiness. Faith must not slumber, and your spiritual house must stay guarded. Faith outweighs earthly treasures, so protect it. Shield it from the world’s noise.

Distractions creep like shadows. They rob focus and dull resolve. Do not let your guard slip. Guard your faith as if it were a priceless inheritance. Stay focused, refusing to let life’s clamour drown out eternity’s call. Picture a homeowner fortifying their house after hearing of nearby burglaries. Locks are added. Cameras installed. Every step reflects vigilance. This parallels your spiritual readiness. Faith, like a house, must be protected. Christ will come as promised. Will you stand prepared when He arrives?

“Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Jesus went ageaf to make His words personal. You also must be ready. His call strikes with urgency. Readiness cannot wait. It isn’t a future goal but a present necessity. Each moment demands discipline. Each decision matters. Align your life with heaven’s purposes. Let nothing steal your focus. Distractions creep like shadows, whispering of ease. Refuse their pull. Guard your heart. Live with intentionality. Every step brings eternity closer. Ask yourself: If Christ returned today, would my life reflect readiness? Would my actions testify to a heart prepared? These questions press us to consider eternity in the light of now.

Imagine a student preparing for an exam. Each day, they study diligently. Their steps are steady, and their focus remains clear. When the exam arrives, they stand ready—not frantic or unprepared. In contrast, consider the procrastinator. They scramble, rush, and panic. Their delay breeds chaos. Readiness, like preparation, builds over time and grows through daily effort, small decisions, and unwavering focus.

Christ’s return will not wait for those who are unprepared. Will you be the student who stands confidently or the one who scrambles in desperation? Jesus’ words demand urgency. He does not call for someday; He calls for now. Readiness cannot be rushed; it must be cultivated, step by step, moment by moment. Let your life declare: I am ready.

The key point here is that Jesus’ return will strike like lightning, sudden and piercing. His words demand unwavering vigilance. Faithfulness isn’t fleeting or seasonal; it requires daily resolve. Align your steps with His kingdom’s call. Friends, examine your heart and weigh your priorities. Anchor your life in eternity’s unshakable call. Discard distractions. Embrace vigilance. Stand ready. The King’s arrival draws nearer with every passing breath.

To wrap this up. Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:42–44 aren’t suggestions. They are urgent commands. He calls us to live prepared, not distracted. His return is certain. His timing is hidden. The question isn’t whether He will return but whether we’ll be ready when He does. Align your heart, guard your faith, and reflect His priorities in your daily choices. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Eternity waits. Will you stand ready?
The Prophetic Fulfillment of God’s Presence

December 23rd, 2024

Isaiah 9:6-7 pierces the shadows of Judah’s despair with a proclamation of unmatched hope. The nation trembled under Assyria’s looming threat. Fear gripped the hearts of many. In this turmoil, Isaiah made the declaration. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

This was not a fleeting promise. It pointed to Jesus Christ, the eternal King who embodies wisdom, justice, and peace. While Judah anticipated immediate deliverance, the prophecy’s true fulfillment transcended time. Christ established a kingdom unshakable and eternal.

Isaiah 9:6-7 unveils the Messiah’s divine identity and mission with vivid clarity. Each title reflects His unique role in God’s redemptive plan.

Wonderful Counselor
Jesus embodies divine wisdom. His words illuminate life’s complexities and guide with unmatched precision. The Hebrew pele means miraculous, while yo’etz denotes strategic guidance. Together, they describe His extraordinary ability to lead. His teachings, like the Sermon on the Mount, reveal the kingdom of God with piercing clarity. Even skeptics marveled: “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:46). His Word continues to anchor and direct those seeking truth.

Mighty God
This title declares His divine authority and power. The Hebrew gibbor signifies a mighty warrior, a heroic deliverer. Jesus demonstrated this might in creation, as Colossians 1:16 proclaims: “For in him all things were created.” He conquered sin and death, proving His supremacy. As Mighty God, He not only defends but empowers His people to overcome life’s fiercest challenges.

Everlasting Father
This speaks of Jesus’ unchanging care and leadership. Though distinct from God the Father, He reflects the Father’s heart. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). His faithfulness never falters. In a turbulent world, His constant presence anchors us in unshakable security and peace.

Prince of Peace
Jesus reconciles humanity to God, restoring wholeness and harmony. The Hebrew shalom describes completeness, a flourishing life. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus bridged the chasm separating us from God. “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). His peace guards hearts and minds, offering calm in life’s fiercest storms (Philippians 4:7).

Together, these titles describe a Savior who guides, strengthens, nurtures, and restores. He satisfies humanity’s deepest longings with wisdom, power, and love.

God’s Faithfulness

Isaiah 9:7 shifts from describing the Messiah’s identity to announcing the eternal reach of His reign. “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

Earthly kingdoms collapse. Their power fades. Christ’s kingdom endures forever, fulfilling God’s covenant with David. His throne remains unshaken for eternity. Isaiah boldly declares: “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” God’s passion drives His redemptive plan. His purposes never fail. His promises remain immovable. For believers, this prophecy is not ancient history. It lives as a present reminder of Christ’s unending reign. His kingdom brings hope and peace now and forever.

Isaiah 9:6-7 is not just a prophecy; it is a fulfilled promise in Jesus Christ. Each title reveals His character and role. As Wonderful Counselor, He guides. As Mighty God, He strengthens. As Everlasting Father, He nurtures. As Prince of Peace, He restores. This prophecy showcases God’s unshakable faithfulness. His kingdom stands eternal. His promises remain true. His presence transforms lives. As we reflect on these truths, let us embrace the joy. Let us also embrace the hope and peace found in the reign of the Divine King. This reign lasts forever and ever.
Humility is Strength

December 6th, 2024

“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” (James 4:6, NIV)

Humility is not weakness, it is one of the greatest strengths. It takes courage to step back, admit limitations, and honour others above ourselves. God exalts the humble because humility creates space for His power to operate.

James reminds us that pride distances us from God, while humility draws His favour. While pride insists on self-sufficiency humility acknowledges God through dependence. As C.S. Lewis aptly wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

Christ exemplified this humility throughout His ministry. He healed the sick without seeking attention or applause, taught without seeking followers, and ultimately submitted to the Father’s will. His humility brought salvation to the world, proving that strength lies in surrender.

Consider moments in your life where pride created barriers—in relationships, at work, or in your spiritual journey. Now, think of times when humility opened doors to reconciliation, growth, or blessings. True strength comes not from asserting ourselves but from yielding to God and lifting others.

Pray earnestly today and ask the Spirit of God to lead you in the path of humility. Ask Him to guide you in priortizing God’s will and serving others selflessly. Ask Him to examine your heart and expose areas where you need to give up pride. Be intentional to practice humility this week. Seek forgiveness, give credit to others, or offer help without expecting recognition. Reflect on Micah 6:8, which urges us to walk humbly with God, and 1 Peter 5:6, which assures us that God will exalt the humble in His own time. Meditate on Matthew 5:5, where Jesus blesses the meek, promising they will inherit the earth.

True humility is far from weakness, it is simply the pedestal for divine strength and transformative leadership.

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Tag: faith

We Need to Uphold Trust in Christ and Protect the Church from Political Facades

Shouldn’t We Start to Call for a Return to Scriptural Foundations away from these Distortions of Cultic Christianity?

From Bethlehem to Eternity – Stay Awake for His Return

The Prophetic Fulfillment of God’s Presence

God’s Faithfulness

Humility is Strength