Dear minister of the Gospel of Christ
(I can't title this, decide what title it is, but please READ carefully and patiently)
Acts 28:3-4 KJV
[3] And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
[4] And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
There are several times ministers of the word are so badly branded by men ,based on certain experiences they have or have had and mostly via wrong perception .
Here paul was deemed to be suffering for not being of God .
Ministry comes with its warts and farts .
We are dealing with men
Many times not on ordinary terms
Ephesians 2:2 KJV
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Many times in positions of influence ,and such have spiritual connotations with natural interface
Ephesians 6:12 KJV
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places .
Truth be said ,these texts speak of unbelievers .
But believers who are given to strife will act same way.
1 Corinthians 3:3 KJV
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
They will act like the unsaved and their approach might not be so different .
Ephesians 4:26-27 KJV
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
Believers do yield to the devil.
1 Timothy 5:15 KJV
[15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Even leaders .
Pauls challenge at Jerusalem was so.
Acts 21:20-21 KJV
[20] And when they heard it , they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
[21] And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
His opponents were believers .
Legalistic brethren ,just like the law,they are harsh towards the gospel .
When this happens ,the proponents build impressions into the minds of their followers .
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Pauls teaching here wasn't about some demons but a knowledge system that opposes the word .
It's in men's minds .
Some won't want to hear the doctrine of eternal salvation because of what they had been told ,
Others won't want to listen to a preacher for what they had been told .
They won't even be given the room for objective reasoning .
Hence the need for the minister of the word never to resort to the flesh .
PR,Branding ,etc
Just stay in the spirit .
Preach ,teach
Pray
Ephesians 6:17-18 KJV
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
The sword of the spirit is praying always in tongues .
I don't reply such folks ,I just increase what am doing
I pray much more !
Ministry will always come with its own heat
Jesus had false reports about what he taught
Matthew 26:59-60 KJV
[59] Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
[60] But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
They scrutinized his teachings to find something against him .
They tried to use folks who attended his meetings ,it failed still .
Then finally
Matthew 26:61-62 KJV
[61] And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
[62] And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Twist his words
He was attacking pastor Adeboye and bishop Oyedepo ,Kenneth Hagin ,archbishop idahosa..,Benny Hinn
That's their ilk and pattern
1 Corinthians 3:4 KJV
[4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
It's about men for them ,and they will rope in anything to accomplish the evil work
Who is chris Segun Onayinka ,pastor Adeboye ,bishop Oyedepo ,Dr Abel Damina bishop Mike okonkwo,Kenneth Hagin ?
Aren't they Gods servants ?
1 Corinthians 3:5 KJV
[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
Matthew 26:64 KJV
[64] Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
As he spoke ,they were more incensed .
That's it with opponents ,nothing you say will matter
They wanted Jesus to appear he had been contemptuous of the law and its priests and eventually God
John 18:23 KJV
[23] Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Did he speak the truth ? But since it affected their fiefdom ,he had to be taken out !
They called Jesus a blasphemer,a lie but generally believed.
They achieved this by putting his teachings against personalities ,and made it sound as what it never was !
Same as paul
Acts 21:28 KJV
[28] Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
They will rally crowds against you ,
TV,conferences ,Facebook .
To make men not listen to you
Paul ensured they never stopped him
Infact in the presence of the authorities he gave one of the most daring teachings in the book of acts
Acts 26:18,22-23 KJV
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
[22] Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
[23] That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
So persuasive ,Felix screamed
Acts 26:24 KJV
[24] And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
Wow ,the power of conviction .
We don't compromise for acceptance ,platforms to speak or doors !
Paul went further
Acts 26:25-27 KJV
[25] But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26] For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
[27] King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Such gusto ,such grit of conviction
The king had to comment too
Acts 26:28 KJV
[28] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Glory .
Paul quipped further
Acts 26:29 KJV
[29] And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
This is no seeker sensitive ,this is his message !
This Means ,no letting up
No backing out
Put the word out ,they will hear it in their bedrooms .
Thank God for technology
You don't need a sky scraper cathedral to reach thousands and millions of men,
Find every media ,put it there !
Gods word is not Bound
2 Timothy 2:9 KJV
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
No matter what they call your ministry ,don't allow Anyone stop your work
If some churches ,ministers or some believers don't receive you,others will
Matthew 10:14 KJV
[14] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Never allow anyone stop your momentum !
Speaking evil of ministers of the word is legendary ,
It's not a today thing
Paul spoke of this too
2 Corinthians 6:8-9 KJV
[8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; [9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live;..
Keep your eyes on the ball .
Stay full of the word and prayer
No amount of diplomacy convinces opponents of the message
Be more aggressive .
Ensure you aren't getting personal with anyone ,don't get rude,petulant
Speak the truth in love
Ephesians 4:15 KJV
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
This isn't diplomacy or hypocrisy
Romans 12:9 KJV
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Love detests false doctrines,it's not hypocrisy ( dissimulation )
Hence the context of speaking the truth in love is to prevent false teachers
Ephesians 4:14 KJV
[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
The pretext .
Many who mouth " speak the truth in love " don't even know what it means !
Never mind them .
But stay focused on your work
And just like paul in Melita..
Things will turn around much later
Acts 28:10,23,30-31 KJV
[10] Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
[23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. [30] And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
[31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Like EW Kenyon who was labeled a heretic in his days ,yet his books have brought the revelation of Christ's redemption and the new creation to the church more than anyone in the 20th century.
He kept writing ,and never waned .
I encourage you as I do me .
1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord
Pastor Onayinka Olusegun
https://www.facebook.com/onayinka.olusegun
(I can't title this, decide what title it is, but please READ carefully and patiently)
Acts 28:3-4 KJV
[3] And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
[4] And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
There are several times ministers of the word are so badly branded by men ,based on certain experiences they have or have had and mostly via wrong perception .
Here paul was deemed to be suffering for not being of God .
Ministry comes with its warts and farts .
We are dealing with men
Many times not on ordinary terms
Ephesians 2:2 KJV
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Many times in positions of influence ,and such have spiritual connotations with natural interface
Ephesians 6:12 KJV
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places .
Truth be said ,these texts speak of unbelievers .
But believers who are given to strife will act same way.
1 Corinthians 3:3 KJV
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
They will act like the unsaved and their approach might not be so different .
Ephesians 4:26-27 KJV
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
Believers do yield to the devil.
1 Timothy 5:15 KJV
[15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Even leaders .
Pauls challenge at Jerusalem was so.
Acts 21:20-21 KJV
[20] And when they heard it , they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
[21] And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
His opponents were believers .
Legalistic brethren ,just like the law,they are harsh towards the gospel .
When this happens ,the proponents build impressions into the minds of their followers .
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Pauls teaching here wasn't about some demons but a knowledge system that opposes the word .
It's in men's minds .
Some won't want to hear the doctrine of eternal salvation because of what they had been told ,
Others won't want to listen to a preacher for what they had been told .
They won't even be given the room for objective reasoning .
Hence the need for the minister of the word never to resort to the flesh .
PR,Branding ,etc
Just stay in the spirit .
Preach ,teach
Pray
Ephesians 6:17-18 KJV
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
The sword of the spirit is praying always in tongues .
I don't reply such folks ,I just increase what am doing
I pray much more !
Ministry will always come with its own heat
Jesus had false reports about what he taught
Matthew 26:59-60 KJV
[59] Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
[60] But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
They scrutinized his teachings to find something against him .
They tried to use folks who attended his meetings ,it failed still .
Then finally
Matthew 26:61-62 KJV
[61] And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
[62] And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Twist his words
He was attacking pastor Adeboye and bishop Oyedepo ,Kenneth Hagin ,archbishop idahosa..,Benny Hinn
That's their ilk and pattern
1 Corinthians 3:4 KJV
[4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
It's about men for them ,and they will rope in anything to accomplish the evil work
Who is chris Segun Onayinka ,pastor Adeboye ,bishop Oyedepo ,Dr Abel Damina bishop Mike okonkwo,Kenneth Hagin ?
Aren't they Gods servants ?
1 Corinthians 3:5 KJV
[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
Matthew 26:64 KJV
[64] Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
As he spoke ,they were more incensed .
That's it with opponents ,nothing you say will matter
They wanted Jesus to appear he had been contemptuous of the law and its priests and eventually God
John 18:23 KJV
[23] Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Did he speak the truth ? But since it affected their fiefdom ,he had to be taken out !
They called Jesus a blasphemer,a lie but generally believed.
They achieved this by putting his teachings against personalities ,and made it sound as what it never was !
Same as paul
Acts 21:28 KJV
[28] Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
They will rally crowds against you ,
TV,conferences ,Facebook .
To make men not listen to you
Paul ensured they never stopped him
Infact in the presence of the authorities he gave one of the most daring teachings in the book of acts
Acts 26:18,22-23 KJV
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
[22] Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
[23] That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
So persuasive ,Felix screamed
Acts 26:24 KJV
[24] And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
Wow ,the power of conviction .
We don't compromise for acceptance ,platforms to speak or doors !
Paul went further
Acts 26:25-27 KJV
[25] But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26] For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
[27] King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Such gusto ,such grit of conviction
The king had to comment too
Acts 26:28 KJV
[28] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Glory .
Paul quipped further
Acts 26:29 KJV
[29] And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
This is no seeker sensitive ,this is his message !
This Means ,no letting up
No backing out
Put the word out ,they will hear it in their bedrooms .
Thank God for technology
You don't need a sky scraper cathedral to reach thousands and millions of men,
Find every media ,put it there !
Gods word is not Bound
2 Timothy 2:9 KJV
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
No matter what they call your ministry ,don't allow Anyone stop your work
If some churches ,ministers or some believers don't receive you,others will
Matthew 10:14 KJV
[14] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Never allow anyone stop your momentum !
Speaking evil of ministers of the word is legendary ,
It's not a today thing
Paul spoke of this too
2 Corinthians 6:8-9 KJV
[8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; [9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live;..
Keep your eyes on the ball .
Stay full of the word and prayer
No amount of diplomacy convinces opponents of the message
Be more aggressive .
Ensure you aren't getting personal with anyone ,don't get rude,petulant
Speak the truth in love
Ephesians 4:15 KJV
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
This isn't diplomacy or hypocrisy
Romans 12:9 KJV
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Love detests false doctrines,it's not hypocrisy ( dissimulation )
Hence the context of speaking the truth in love is to prevent false teachers
Ephesians 4:14 KJV
[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
The pretext .
Many who mouth " speak the truth in love " don't even know what it means !
Never mind them .
But stay focused on your work
And just like paul in Melita..
Things will turn around much later
Acts 28:10,23,30-31 KJV
[10] Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
[23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. [30] And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
[31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Like EW Kenyon who was labeled a heretic in his days ,yet his books have brought the revelation of Christ's redemption and the new creation to the church more than anyone in the 20th century.
He kept writing ,and never waned .
I encourage you as I do me .
1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord
Pastor Onayinka Olusegun
https://www.facebook.com/onayinka.olusegun
Comments
Post a Comment