Month: March 2021

MESSAGE FROM THE ALTAR

DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. 28/03/2021

THE HOLY BIBLE.

.MATTHEW 24:3-14.

3. As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, ” Tell us, when will this happen ? What will be the sign that you are coming again, and when will the world come to an end ? “
4. Jesus answered them, ” Be careful not to let anyone deceive you.
5. Many will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many people.
6. ” You will hear of wars and rumours of wars. Don’t be alarmed ! These things must happen, but they don’t mean that the end has come.
7. Nation will fight against nation and Kingdom against Kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
8. All of these are only the beginning pains of the end.
9. ” Then they will hand you over to those who will torture and kill you. All nations will hate you because you are committed to me.
10. Then many will lose faith. They will betray and hate each other.
11. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
12. And because there will be more lawlessness, most people’s love will grow cold.
13. But the person who endures to the end will be saved.
14. ” This Good News about the Kingdom will be spread throughout the world as a testimony to all nations. Then the end will come.
    (GOD’S WORD EDITION).

PSALM 4:6-8

6. Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good ? “
   Let the light of your presence shine on us, O Lord.
7. You put more joy in my heart than when their grain and new wine increase.
8. I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O Lord, enable me to live securely.
   (GOD’S WORD EDITION) This World will never experience real peace again till the second coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
   The chaotic situation being experienced now will get worse. Natural and man-made disasters will increase. Man’s inhumanity to man will manifest more glaringly. The world’s economy will plummet. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, cyclones, floods, drought, fire outbreaks will be occurring the more and with devastating effects on human beings and the environment. Wars, Terrorism, Banditry, Religious extremism, Gang violence, Human trafficking, Pornography, Prostitution, Diseases, militancy, State sponsored pogrom, Sexual perversion, Genocide, to mention a few, will be on the increase bringing untold hardship, sorrow and disillusionment to an already embattled world.
   Everything is already spinning out of control. Unfortunately, more catastrophic troubles are still to come.
   Fortunately, Jesus Christ had foretold everything happening now that we might have peace in troubled times for to be forewarned is to be forearmed, if wisdom is applied. God had prepared us by revealing what the future must be and what we need to do to survive

The Holy Bible shows the way of escape from the trauma the world must continue to experience as the End time clock ticks and the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ looms. God, the Author of the Holy Bible already told us how the world will end and, in His great love for us, has also shown us the way to escape doom.

“God sent his son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world.
Those who believe in him won’t be condemned. But those who don’t believe are already condemned because they don’t believe in God’s only Son.” (John 3:17-18)

How do we have peace in this chaotic world ?

1. Repent of your evil ways
   2.Come to Jesus Christ, the only One that can give rest . 3.Ask to be empowered through the Holy Spirit 4.Read the Word of God, Holy Bible, study and meditate on the instructions from God. As you do that, the Holy Spirit will reveal mysteries to you to encourage and strengthen you. 5.Obey God’s commandments and trust Him completely for He is a faithful and righteous God. 6.Learn to put to work in faith what the Word of God teaches you to do. 7.Pour out love to others. We are all sojourners on earth and sooner or later we will be no more. 8.Do the work of an Evangelist as you join the disciples in the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
   9.Remember, only Jesus Christ can give you peace ; that can calm the storm and save you from the chaos and unfolding devastation.Be prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection has made solutions available to all who want peace in the storm. The solutions to the situations are in the Holy Bible.
It is from the Holy Bible that we know the things that must be before the world ends and we are really witnessing them happening one after the other. I strongly believe that we all need to turn aside to the same Holy Bible and meditate deeply on the solutions therein that we might have peace and rest in a world that is engulfed by fear, anxiety, pain, sorrow and devastations of unimaginable dimensions.
May God deliver us from messengers of sorrow laying siege all over this dying world, in Jesus Christ’s name.

References:
Psalm 23 ; Psalm 4:4 ; Proverbs 28: 2-12 ; Psalm 46:10.

MESSAGE FROM THE ALTAR
DEVOTIONAL SERVICE 21/03/2021

CHRISTIANS, WATCH AND PRAY

EPHESIANS 6:11-13

11. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies.
12. This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.
13. For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then, you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.
    (GOD’S WORD EDITION).

1 PETER 4:7
The end of everything is near. Therefore, practice self-control, and keep your minds clear so that you can pray.

HYMNAL
“CHRISTIAN, seek not yet repose,
Hear thy guardian angel say,
Thou art in the midst of foes;
“Watch and pray.”

Principalities and powers,
Must ring their unseen array,
Wait for thine unguarded hour;
“Watch and pray.”

Gird thy heavenly armour on,
Wear it every night and day,
Ambushed lies the evil one,
“Watch and pray.”

The Body of Jesus Christ is under tremendous attack. The diadem of Christianity is being trampled upon by barbaric hordes flaunting weapons to annihilate the saints of God. The enemy onslaught against the Church is becoming more subtle and vicious. The list of Christian martyrs has become intolerably worrisome. Christian institutions are in desperate plight as influential forces make concerted efforts to intimidate and humiliate them. The orgy of violence unleashed on the Church of God is beyond rationality with its level of insanity. It is disheartening and nauseating watching backsliding Christians grovel for crumbs of bread off satanic tables, out of fear and desperation.
The battle to destroy Christianity is being waged without and ,unfortunately, within the Church herself. The Antichrist and false disciples dine and wine in the slaughter houses, the abattoir, where saints of God are martyred.
It is unfortunate that most Christians are lulled into a false sense of security, even in these perilous times: They are ignorant of the wiles of satan and the caprices of satanic agents.
The aim of the onslaught is to discourage and hurt the saints; to force the saints to forsake Christ and reject salvation by dangling before them the perishable glitters of this world; and to halt the noble cause of evangelism worldwide.
This assignment from the gates of hell must fail. Jesus Christ has promised us that the gates of hell shall not prevail.

Therefore, let feeble knees be made strong. Let weary hands be lifted up. Let us put on the full armour of God and move into battle, knowing that Jesus Christ Himself remains the Captain of our battle .We have the Holy Spirit to guide us. We have angelic hosts to assist us. We are more equipped than the forces arrayed against us. We are more superior. We are unconquerable. We are Christians. We are the apple of God’s eyes. We are unbreakable. We are Divine royalty. We are peculiar people. Let us go out there to depopulate satanic kingdom through vigorous evangelism. Let us go out there and breakdown the oppressive strongholds of satanic agents. Let us reach out to discouraged Christians and through love return them to the safety in Christ. The Great Commission is a task that must be unfailingly and successfully carried out no matter the circumstances. The reward is certain.
May God continue to strengthen us to endure to the end and to have our names in the Book of Life at the end of our pilgrimage here on esrth, in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

References :Ephesians 4:11-16; 1Corinthians 3:11, 19; 14:20; Jude 1:12;
2Corinthians 4:2

MESSAGE FROM THE ALTAR
DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. 14/03/2021

COME TO JESUS CHRIST.

MATTHEW 11:28

“Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest “.
(GOD’S WORD VERSION).

When we have fallen hard, Jesus Christ lifts us up and restores our soul. Jesus Christ is the Balm that heals the wounds of sin and by His stripes we are healed of all infirmities. Jesus Christ died on the cross of calvary in redemptive sacrifice to save us from imminent everlasting doom, reconcilling us with God Almighty. Jesus Christ rose from the dead to give humanity hope of life after death and to showcase His mastery over death .Jesus Christ ascended into God’s Kingdom, seated with His Father, God Almighty, and interceeding on our behalf as satan, the accuser, always seek to destroy our fellowship with God. It is because of Jesus Christ that God’s grace became greater than our sin, therefore we are saved not by works but by grace.
It is only Jesus Christ that can permanently calm the storms of life. It is only Jesus Christ that can pardon sins, give peace and unspeakable joy to the disconsolate. The soul suffering agonizing and inconsolable grief finds comfort and healing only at Jesus Christ’s feet. There is no one else given the ultimate power to give succour and peace to the afflicted and hopeless other than Jesus Christ.

“When Jesus came near, he spoke to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18).

Are you burdened and heavy laden ? Are you injured, hurt, distressed, or upset ? Is your marriage crumbling, divorce staring you in the face ? Are you financially bankrupt and facing imminent reproach ? Is your physical or mental suffering becoming too unbearable ? Is your distress rising with all the insecurities around you ? Are you being consumed by great anxiety, anguish, grief, disappointment and fear ? Are you overcome by a sense of confusion and hopelessness ? Has melancholy descended over you ? Do you feel condemned ? Are you desperate to escape the wrath of God ?
Jesus Christ says, “Come”. Jesus Christ has promised to give rest to the weary. He is faithful and graceful. He did not come to condemn the world but to save. He came armed with grace and made His Being a sacrificial Lamb that through His shed blood humanity would find forgiveness and peace with God. Jesus Christ is coming back again, no more with grace but with righteous judgement. Only those who had come to and remained with Jesus Christ will be saved from eternal damnation, from hellfire. No other power can save. No amount of material accumulation can save. No good works alone can save. Only Jesus Christ can save.
Come to Jesus Christ NOW. Accept Jesus Christ , the King of Peace, as Lord and Saviour and be released from Satan’s captivity. Repent of the sinful ways of life and be born again in Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit takes total control. You need to accept this Divine invitation NOW.

References:
Matthew 10:37 ; John 1:35-52 ; Matthew 11:28-30.4

MESSAGE FROM THE ALTAR.
DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. 07/03/2021

LO – DEBAR

2 SAMUEL 9:3-5.

3. David asked, “Is there someone left in Saul’s family to whom I can show God’s kindness ?”
   “Jonathan has a son who is disabled,” Ziba answered.
4. “Where is he ?” the king asked.
   Ziba replied, “He is at the home of Machir, Ammiel’s son, in Lo Debar.”
5. So King David sent men to get him from the home of Ammiel’s son Machir in Lo Debar. (GOD’S WORD EDITION).
   

Lo Debar was a town in Israel. It was a town of forgotten people. It was the town of the lost , outcasts, dregs of the society. It was the town of the oppressed, suppressed, emasculated, strangulated, raped, dehumanised, ostracized and the hopeless .
Lo Debar was where the crippled and hopeless Mephibosheth, (son of Jonathan and grandson of king Saul) was taken after his father and grandfather died in fierce battle same day on Mount Gilboa .
Mephibosheth, the grandson of the late king of Israel became one of the inhabitants of Lo Debar, a town where people existed, a place of loneliness.
There are many people existing in Lo Debar today. People who are lonely and dejected, from the helpless orphans in tattered penury to mega stars in their glittering world.
Lo Debar is not a place anyone likes to be in. It is hardly ever the fault of anyone who finds himself there. Circumstances happened to all who exist in Lo Debar, this place of misery and lamentations.

It was not Mephiboseth’s fault that he was crippled and could not help himself neither was it his fault that his doting father and grandfather died same day leaving him vulnerable. It was not your fault that you had poverty as your surrounding and companion where you were born. It was not your fault that you were abused, molested, traumatized and crippled by circumstances.
It is easy for the fortunate to look down on those who exist in Lo Debar as if it is their fault being there. Most don’t really care about the pains, the travails of the inhabitants of Lo Debar.
Lo Debar is a state that may not necessarily be physical but spiritual. Spiritually, all classes of people live in Lo Debar. People who are lost, spiritually.
King David rescued Mephibosheth from the hellish state in Lo Debar, washed the filth off him, dressed him in princely raiment and made him dine at the king’s table. King David restored to Mephiboseth everything he lost, his inheritance. The rejected became the accepted, the demoralized became glamorized.
King Jesus Christ has seen the deprivations imprisoning you in satanic grip. He knows your despair, resignation and complacency. He understands your fears and doubts. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Only Jesus Christ really cares about you. Most people are not really concerned about how you feel or what you are going through.

Only Jesus Christ can bring you out of physical and spiritual filthiness, cleanse you, clothe you and guide you to breakthrough here and everlasting life, hereafter.
Jesus Christ wants to restore to you the years the locust have eaten; the possessions the cankerworm have destroyed; and opportunities the waster has wasted.
“The spirit of the Almighty Lord is with me because the Lord has anointed me to deliver good news to humble people. He has sent me to heal those who are brokenhearted, to announce that the captives will be set free and prisoners will be released.
He has sent me to announce the year of the Lord’s good will and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all those who grieve.
He has sent me to provide for all those who grieve in Zion, to give them crowns instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of tears of grief, and clothes of praise instead of a spirit of weakness.” (Isaiah 61:1-3).
That is the ministry of Jesus Christ. That is the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to the Church — release the captives in Lo Debar, clothe them with the garment of grace and bring them to the King’s table, the kingdom of God.
You are the vessel God is yearning to use to win the lost souls to His kingdom. You know those needing help around you. Help them. You don’t need to wait till they ask. The fear of rejection, mockery, gossip or molestation may hinder them from asking you. Be a keeper and bring joy to a hurting soul today. That’s what God expects from you.

References : 1Samuel 31: 1-6 ; 2Samuel 9: 1-13 ; Romans 5:6