JESUS CHRIST IS THE EVERLASTING ROCK.

"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4 (Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-6) -KJV.

A song writer wrote thus "Jesus the Rock, the Solid Rock, Jesus the Solid Rock, my soul has found a refuge in Him, Jesus the Solid Rock." In the lyrics, "Jesus the Solid Rock" is portrayed as:

1. A Refuge: Just as a physical rock can provide shelter and protection, Jesus is depicted as a spiritual refuge where one's soul can find safety and solace.

2. Unshakable: The song highlights Jesus as someone who cannot be moved, emphasizing His stability and reliability. This concept aligns with the idea that faith in Jesus provides a firm foundation for one's life.

3. The Foundation of the Church: The reference to Matthew 16:18 underscores the belief that Jesus is the cornerstone upon which the Christian church is built. It signifies the church's strength and resistance to spiritual attacks.

4. Protection: Jesus is likened to a shield and a place of safety where believers can seek shelter from the spiritual battles and challenges, they face in life.

5. Salvation: The lyrics also touch on the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus. By confessing one's sins and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, one can find refuge and eternal security in Him.

The imagery of Jesus as the "Solid Rock" is a powerful and enduring symbol in Christian faith, emphasizing His unwavering support, protection, and the salvation He offers to believers. It encourages individuals to turn to Him for strength, guidance, and spiritual security.

Therefore, the message underscores the belief that faith in Jesus provides a secure and unshakable foundation for one's life and spiritual well-being. Here are some key points from this message:

A. Protection from the Enemy: Jesus is portrayed as a shield and refuge where believers can seek protection from the spiritual adversary, symbolized as the devil or the enemy. This protection is seen as essential for the safety and salvation of one's soul.

B. Exclusive Shelter for True Friends: Here, it highlights that the shelter of Jesus is available to those who are true friends and followers of Him. This implies that sincere faith and a personal relationship with Jesus are necessary to fully experience His protective and saving grace.

C. Vulnerability of Sinners: It means that those who have not turned to Jesus in repentance and faith remain exposed to the attacks of the enemy. In this context, the "sinner" refers to someone who has not yet embraced Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

D. Call to Repentance: The message encourages i to run to Jesus for shelter and salvation. This is achieved through confessing one's sins, surrendering to Jesus, and accepting Him as Lord and Savior. Repentance and faith are seen as the path to finding refuge in the "Solid Rock."

In summary, the message is conveying a heartfelt call to faith and repentance of everyone that is yet to surrender all to Christ with the truth that Jesus Christ provides the ultimate protection and salvation for those who turn to Him. This remains a central theme in Christian faith and evangelism; therefore, you are invited to find security and eternal life in relationship with Jesus, the "Solid Rock" today!

CHILD-LIKE ATTITUDES FOR KINGDOM PEOPLE

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-4). There is a sense in which we must have certain attributes of children to be qualified to inherit the kingdom of GOD. The Lord isn’t commanding us to be babyish Christians. We are not exhorted to adopt children's temperament and disposition. As a matter of fact, there are traits unique to children that God won’t approve in adults both in Christian and lifestyle patterns. For example, children are impatient, rash, and naturally disobedient - always willing to have their way in all things. These are characteristics that are not admirable in true Christianity.

In the same vein, there is a sense in which we have to be like children in order to be qualified to receive salvation and eternal life. We must be as humble as a child, simply believe the gospel, and be equally flexible to receive the bible doctrines and practice them. The reason why many people remained unsaved is that they lack a child-like attitude to the gospel. They harden their hearts and question the logicality and validity of the gospel. They do not open their hearts, as children do, to receive the Lord. And unlike children, they lack simple faith. Are you saved? If not, why not. Jesus said, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.

The sinner however will not be able to start the process of salvation unless he has the humility of the child. Nor can he accept the gospel unless he believes easily like a child. He cannot keep his salvation by living on in holiness unless he’s child malice, sensitivity, kindness, and flexibility. ” That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:6-7). Being born-again means changing from living in sin to living in holiness. The sinner must (i) acknowledge his sins (ii) confess them (iii) repent from them (iv) forsake them (v) believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as “ propitiation for her sin ” and (vi) abide in this faith with constant holiness of character. This process is a genuine conversion that results in behavioral transformation.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The believer receives the grace to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11b). The new believer needs to pray for more grace to overcome temptations and live holily, study the word of God, and pray daily. He also needs to employ grace in practicing positive child-like attributes, shunning pride, loving all, believing easily, hating racism and stubbornness, keeping no ill feelings, being fervent in the spirit, and serving the Lord. Moreover, the believer’s victory over Satan is sure if he can resist the devil through (i) God’s word (ii) Fervent prayers mixed with faith (iii)Self-discipline and self-control (iv) Employing and deploying the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:12-18), Abiding in Christ and remaining steadfast in the faith (James 1:12).

WARNING AGAINST BACKSLIDING

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he falls. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Paul the Apostle, through the inspiration of God, pointed out the possibility of a believer becoming cast away after initial evidence of salvation and a lifetime of service to God. He compared the Christian life to a race and emphasized the fact that a participant could be disqualified from receiving the prize if he/she does not run according to the rules. Therefore, there’s a need to maintain self-discipline and avoid those things that can cause a person to be rejected by God. “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible, therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (2 Corinthians 9:25-27).

In his epistle to the Corinthians church, Apostle Paul continues this train of thought, apparently to warn some people in the church who felt eternally secured in their salvation even though they lived in sin. He warned believers against the danger of backsliding and thereby debunked the damnable heresy of the doctrine of eternal security. He emphasized that the great privileges that the Israelites enjoyed in their relationship with God were typical or illustrative of what believers in the New Testament enjoy. However, it is sad to note that despite those privileges the Israelites enjoyed, many among them who went into sin were destroyed, And the account of their failure was written to warn subsequent believers of all ages against the danger of falling back to sin.

There is no truth in the doctrine of unconditional security of believers. Those who are secured in Christ are those who continue in the word of God in true righteousness to the end. Believers can avoid backsliding by laying aside the things that bring temptations and taking necessary steps to victory through vigilance (1 Peter 5:8), prayer (Matthew 26:41), conviction (2 Timothy 3:14), trust ( 2 Timothy 1:2), Obedience (Psalm 119:60), resistance (James 4:7), and absolute surrender to God (Romans 6:13). As heaven-bound pilgrims, we must depend on the Lord for His sustaining grace and power. Our salvation, boldness at the throne of grace, conviction, and uncompromising stand on the truth is by grace. Without grace, we are as ordinary as other people.

We are most likely to fall when we are most confident of our own strength. Distrust in our strength makes us be vigilant and put our trust and dependence on God. This gave us the best security against all sins. God is able and indeed has promised to keep us from falling but we must look to ourselves (2 John 8). God is faithful to keep us from a tempting world full of snares. Though we are to be watchful and vigilant, he will proportion our burden to our strength. Hence, we should not be terrified or amazed when temptation comes. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them, that believe to the saving of the soul”. May this be our portion as we continue in our pilgrim journey on earth till we see Jesus face to face in heaven.

END TIME WARNING!

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:11-13).

Our Lord Jesus Christ foretold the major trends that would precede His return to earth and therefore, counseled all believers to endure to the very end irrespective of life challenges, trials, and persecutions they faced daily. He mentioned was religious imposters who would come in His name to deceive many. The world systems and traditions through Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) are taking over the hearts of many Christians today. But the truly wise child will take to the counsel of the Father through the Scriptures and turn away from their negative influences that engross his heart.

Therefore, stand on the word of God always, be ready to throw away anything that will not allow you to enter heaven when the end comes, and fight the good fight of faith so that you can make it to the end. The day of the Lord is coming nearer than you can ever think of, the love of many friends of Jesus is waxing cold daily, but God does not want it to be so for you. Dear friends, do you take Christ’s warning seriously? Then pray this prayer: Father Lord, grant me abundant grace to love and follow you to the end. Amen!

THE BROAD WAY AND THE NARROW WAY

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Our Lord Jesus Christ’s mission on earth was to give His life and shed His blood for our salvation. His desire and sacrifice was not only to make men religious but to possess the righteousness of God. He was then committed to show men the true way back to God and eternal life heaven. Before he came, many religious leaders were misleading men, professing to them the way to heaven but they were blind leaders of the blind, not knowing the way to the heavenly city; they made men twofold children of hell than themselves. The reason why Jesus said, “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14).Just like the time of Christ, there are many religious leaders today that keep deceiving people, and they “called evil good and good evil; put darkness for light and light for darkness”. (Isaiah 5:20).Calling on all who desire entire life and heaven today, Christ now says, “Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

The gate of the natural birth through which the whole humanity came into this world doesn’t lead to eternal life. Every one that desire eternal life must repent and believe in Christ through genuine salvation and get transformed, enter through the straight gate and walk in the narrow way of consistent obedience in order to be part of Christ’s kingdom. As in the days of Noah and Lot, few will escape judgement because only few go through the strait and walk consistently in the narrow way that seems unpopular to many people. Like the days of old, the Lord is still saying today, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24).

A gate serves two purposes; it lets in and shuts out. This gate is only opening for admittance to that “way” which leads to life and all who do not enter by it are eternally locked out from the presence of God and the realm of eternal happiness. You and the sins enjoys from time to time must be parted in order to see God. All sins must be given up completely. You must forsake them all without reservation, hate them with perfect hatred and ask the Lord to give you power to overcome them. The way is very narrow; it’s by abandoning all idols of the heart and the pleasures of sin and the flesh before we can pass through the strait gate that leads to life eternal. Many are called but few are chosen. Only few find the way of life.Only the humble and lowly in hearts who find their way to strait gate were able to repent and mourn for their sins. Such few with meekness of heart could walk in the narrow way. And only those few find life at the end. The broad way is the path of self-will and self-gratification. It is “wide” because it is a downward road. It is popular but deceptive. For those who are working in it, it is “the way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

In the broad way, liberty and freedom are the favorite words, pride and vanity, pleasure and ambition, independence and self-indulgence, covetousness, and love of money, revenge and retaliation,loose talk and indecent dressing, partiality and favoritism, sins of kinds are all indulged in without remorse or sorrow of heart. Those in the broad way justify themselves and paint their sins in bright colors calling them mistakes, faults, weakness, or harmless habits. What further deceives men and women walking in the broad way to destruction is that men of eminence and women of influence, wise men after the flesh, and honorable women, not a few are walking the same broad way with them. If the words of Jesus are true, “broad way is the way that leadeth to destruction” “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:20). Again, “strive to enter in at the strait gate”. To strive means to be earnest, to urgently cut off whatever is tying you down to sin, to deliberately burn the bridge that links you with the world. “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:120).

Walking in the narrow way means a steady perseverance in faith and obedience to God through the grace of Christ. Walking in the narrow way means that our affection, mind, our will, all our actions and speech will be brought within the scope of God’s word. Those who are walking in the narrow way, have been called out of the world, cleansed by the blood and made new creatures in Christ, they are walking in the light and do not secretly have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; they keep themselves unspotted from the world and constantly crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts; they abstain from all appearance of evil, die to carnal desires daily and bury self-will at the foot of the cross; they are willing to suffer the loss of things which will  hinder them from getting to heaven at last. Strive now to enter in. “Arise, call upon thy God”. “It is time to seek the LORD, till He comes, and rain righteousness upon you”. Enter while you may.

WALKING DAILY WITH CHRIST

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” - John 8:30-36 (KJV).

The new birth experience is the beginning of life-long adventure of walking with Christ. But, what does it mean to walk with Christ? You took the first step toward walking with Christ when you decided to repent of your sins and commit your life to the Lord, Jesus Christ. This step, although vital, is not the only step you are supposed to take.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must walk with him consistently. One of the essentials things of walking with Christ is reading God’s word, the Bible. The path of life is littered with temptations. The safest way of walking and not stumbling at any of the temptations is to read and keep the word of God. The holy word of God as a guiding light is imperative to those walking with Christ daily. It dictates the conduct and life-style of the believer and it has the final say on all matter that concerns the believer.

Another essential in walking with Christ is prayer. Communication is essentials for a growing relationship. When you pray you are communicating with God. The Christian life is a new experience to everyone that is newly converted. As a Christian, it’s essential to maintain a life of open communication with God as a habit. Not only does the person walking with Christ has the privilege of telling God about whatever bothers him, he also has the added advantage of having his need met. Prayer, the act of communicating with God, is also the greatest weapon through which the devil and his cohorts are defeated. Prayer is simple. It is casting your care upon God (1 Peter 5:7), asking God, the father, whatever you need (John 15:16) in the name of Jesus (John 14:13).

The most essential in walking with Christ that many overlook today is obedience: This what God demand from us and He places a high premium on it. A number of people who profess faith in Christ faltered when it comes to obedience. This is because they see Jesus as Savior but fail to know and accept Him as Lord. The Bible says “Jesus is Lord”. It is important to know that the true wisdom consists in building our spiritual house on the Rock, Jesus Christ our Lord. This singular act will make our Christian faith to become strong and firm in the fundamental principles of victorious Christian living. Our Christian life should always obey the Lord when things are convenient or when things go contrary to the way of our expectations. Jesus is Lord forever! He demands absolute obedience for all believers who are walking with Him. Our motives, tempers and lives should always conform to His Word, leaning on nothing but His grace and enabling power. Hence, walking with Christ is the most glorious experience in life that can ever happen to a Christian.

There are new discoveries for us each day in our daily walk with Christ. It ushers us into deeper knowledge, greater experiences and enjoyment of God’s blessings. With Christ as Captain of our salvation in our journey, He’s ever faithful to grant us victory, success, happiness and fulfillment here on earth and a blissful eternity hereafter.  “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:14).