But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. 2 Samuel 15:10 Absalom hired men as spies who he sent to all tribes of Israel to incite the people to hate and rebel against the king, his father David because he wanted to become the next king. Even David's major advisor Ahithophel, ministers and many of his army where bought over and began to conspire against David. There are people who take delight in inciting people against others. They speak what will make people to hate others. Absalom is a son that incites people against even his father. Absalom is a believer that speaks words that would make people to hate others in the church, and leave the church. Absalom is always buying people to himself by making himself look better than others while making them hate others. Absalom incites people to rebel against their leaders. Don't be an Absalom and don't allow an Absalom make you hate others, rebel against your leader, or hate those that you once loved. SHALOM YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY PST EMAMUZO PETER

Reading Nehemiah Chapter 1 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah's Prayer 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king. NEHEMIAH THE MAN OF PRAYER Nehemiah is such an interesting character; he was a Jew in exile and he had reached one of the highest positions in the court of Persia, he was a trusted advisor and confidant of the king. He probably knew that people had gone back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, they had now returned, one being his own brother or a very close relative. Although he was a high-ranking court official, he was intimately interested in what was going on in Jerusalem. Let us learn some things from the prayer of Nehemiah: His prayer was passionate Look how it starts, as soon as he heard, he sat down and wept. He was an emotional guy; he was a passionate guy. What are you passionate about? We have a generation of believers, who are passionate about anything other than the things of God. They are passionate about their sports team, their jobs, their cars or some other idol; they have. If you heard like Nehemiah, the news that he heard, what would be your reaction? In today's church, it would be seen as emotional over reaction, what would make you weep? Does the news that millions are going to hell every day make you weep? Does the news that your country and community is in moral decline make you weep? Does the news that your church and indeed yourself have lost its first love, make you weep? The walls are broken down around your family, church, community and country, does that make you weep? He gave God his proper place. Verse 5 What did he call God? He gave proper recognition to God, when we approach God in prayer, he is not some distant deity, neither is he our buddy, he is what Nehemiah calls Him “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God Before he petitioned God, he praised God Verse 5 Nehemiah praised God because God was and is a covenant keeping, loving, all powerful, faithful and awesome God. Next time you come before God, with your long list of requests, spend time praising Him for all that he is and all that he has done for you. His prayer was persistent verse 6 Notice he prayed day and night, Jesus said in Luke 18:1 we had to pray and not lose heart and Paul in 1 Thess 5 said Pray without ceasing. Nehemiah prayed often and sought God on this matter, he told no one the situation, but God. Before he went to his pastor or friends, he went to his God. He knew his place in God's plan verse 6 The prayer of your servant. Jesus said we are unprofitable servants at best. How often we come to God in pride, thinking we are something, when indeed we are nothing. He was the cupbearer to the king, but to God, he was and is a humble servant, just like you and me He prayed for his people verse 6 His prayer was focused on the children of Israel, he could have prayed and I'm sure he was praying for Persia, but his focus was on his own people. May we all focus on all own people, whether we are British, Chinese, German or Nigerian. His prayer was penitent and personal verses 6 and 7 Nehemiah realised what had caused this, sin. He did not hide from this. He realised that he was not excluded from blame. Nehemiah realised that he was part of the problem, he had been in Babylon, but he didn't absolve himself of blame. The situation in the UK is very bad, sin is rampant, although I am thousands of miles away, I cannot absolve myself of blame. He reminded God of the promise he had made with the people, not that God needed to be reminded verse 8-10 God's promises are sure and steadfast, if God said then it will come to pass. God had said that if the children of Israel followed him, then blessing would happen, if they didn't, then failure would happen. He praised God for his great power verse 10 It was God who redeemed the people and it would be God, who would now help them. The Children of Israel had gone after other God's, but there only hope is and always will be in God. We need to remember that only God is able to do anything to help us, like the Baals on Mt Carmel, all other God's are dead . Our God is alive and all powerful. He prayed for God's protection verse 11 Nehemiah was a trusted advisor to the king, but his trust was in God and him alone. He prayed for favour with this man; he knew who was in control. God answered Nehemiah's prayer, because he came humbly to God, he came with a broken and contrite spirit. Nothing in his prayer was in pride, he came as a penitent sinner, he came with a reverence to God. God requires us to come to him acknowledging who he is, the one all-powerful God who is awesome in majesty and glory. So often, I come to God and just have a shopping list of requests, but like Nehemiah, we need to spend time worshipping God and then we can tell God all our needs. Let us come in humble repentance to our Great and all-powerful God, who alone can answer our prayers. His ear is always attentive to our prayers, if we came to God in the way Nehemiah did. God bless you KK

"Come Out of Her, My People" "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." — Revelation 18:4 This is a statement familiar to every student of Bible prophecy. In Revelation 18, an angel delivers a solemn message—a final call that separates God's people before judgment falls upon Babylon. It is a message of mercy before destruction, grace before wrath, and separation before doom. Among those destined to drink from the cup of God's indignation, there exists a peculiar people whom God still claims as His own. Just as in the days of Lot, when God called him out of Sodom before its destruction, so He now calls His people out of Babylon. "And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand... and they brought him forth, and set him without the city." (Genesis 19:16) Remember, the book of Revelation is not merely about future events; it is primarily about Jesus Christ. The opening words declare: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ..." (Revelation 1:1) This is the final biblical portrait of Christ—not as the suffering servant lying in a manger, but as the glorified King coming in power and great glory. Perhaps you have not yet perceived where I am leading, but follow me carefully as we journey into the heart of this message and discover why the people in Babylon are so special that Christ sends them a specific call. The Gospel records tell us about the Magi from the East who came seeking the newborn King. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea... behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem." (Matthew 2:1) These men were remarkable. While the priests, scribes, and teachers of the Law possessed the prophecies, the Magi possessed both the prophecies and the spiritual perception to recognize their fulfillment. They had knowledge, but they also had vision. Consequently, they did not miss the divine moment. Yet that is not my main point. Every student of history, geography, and archaeology knows that east of Jerusalem lay the ancient Persian Empire—the region once dominated by Babylon and later governed by the Medes and Persians, corresponding largely to modern-day Iraq and its surrounding territories. Now consider this carefully. There was once a prophet in Babylon who became a ruler, counselor, and advisor to kings. I am speaking of the prophet Daniel. "Then the king made Daniel a great man... and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:48) Why is this significant? Because Daniel was not merely a prophet among the Babylonians; he became the chief of the wise men—the Magi. Through the manifestation of God's wisdom and power, Daniel influenced an entire kingdom without organizing a single crusade or evangelistic campaign. The God of Daniel revealed mysteries, interpreted dreams, humbled kings, and demonstrated His sovereignty before nations. Wisdom and power became Daniel's testimony. "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his." (Daniel 2:20) These same qualities are indispensable for God's people in the last days. I believe you may already be connecting the dots. The Magi who came from the East seeking Jesus were not ordinary men. The word Magi (Greek: magoi) refers to learned men, scholars, wise men, and priestly advisors from the East. Daniel had once been appointed over this very order of wise men in Babylon. It is therefore reasonable to see the possibility that generations of Magi preserved Daniel's teachings and prophetic writings. Daniel had written extensively concerning the coming Messiah and the unfolding of God's prophetic timetable. "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people..." (Daniel 9:24) While many in Jerusalem possessed the Scriptures, some in Babylon treasured them, studied them, and watched for their fulfillment. When the star appeared, the Magi discerned its significance. "For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2) Notice the contrast. The religious leaders knew where the Messiah would be born, yet they remained in Jerusalem. The Magi traveled great distances because their hearts were aligned with God's unfolding purposes. They came not with empty hands but with treasures. "And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11) They recognized the worth of the King before His ministry had even begun. They honored Him not merely with words but with sacrifice, substance, and worship. Now let us return to Revelation. Centuries later, Jesus speaks concerning Babylon and says: "Come out of her, my people." (Revelation 18:4) Notice the language. He calls them My people. Could it be that the Lord remembers every act of faith, every sacrifice, every sincere recognition of His lordship? When He came unto His own, many rejected Him. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." (John 1:11) Yet there were those from a distant land who received Him, worshipped Him, and honored Him. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, ministered in Judea, and died in Jerusalem. Yet in Revelation He remembers a people dwelling in Babylon and calls them His own. Babylon is often synonymous with confusion, rebellion, and spiritual corruption. Yet even there, God has a people. What a testimony of divine grace! God's call is not limited by geography, nationality, denomination, or reputation. His eye searches the earth for those whose hearts are toward Him. "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) I do not know where you are today. I do not know what labels people have placed upon you, what mistakes you have made, or what circumstances surround you. But if you have acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, if you continually seek His mercy, grace, and alignment with His will, then hear the voice of heaven: "Come out of her, my people." It is a call to separation from confusion. A call to holiness amidst corruption. A call to truth amidst deception. A call to Christ before judgment falls. And most importantly, it is a reminder that no matter where you are, if you belong to Him, He knows exactly where to find you. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his." (2 Timothy 2:19) The same Lord who remembered the faithful in Babylon still remembers His people today. The message remains: "Come out of her, My people."

❤️Women in the Ministry? What does the Bible Say? Continued. Part 2of 2. By Dr. Russell K. Tardo. A Modern Phenomenon. No Contradictions Obviously, Galatians 3:28 neither changes nor contradicts the qualifications for ministry God established in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, nor does it eliminate the prohibition of women serving in five-fold ministry office in 1 Timothy 2:11-12. God simply does not contradict Himself! Are those who would justify women serving in ministry office on the basis of Galatians 3:28 trying to lead us to believe that God is confused, or, that He changes His mind from book to book or year to year? I ask you, would God allow women in ministry in Galatians 3:28 and then forbid it in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 3:1-7? No, the teaching and instruction of God is consistent throughout the entire New Testament. The Bible does not contradict itself. The truth of the matter is, the Galatians passage has absolutely nothing to do with the question of women serving in the ministry. It deals, not with function, but with acceptance. The context of the passage declares the unconditional acceptance into the Abrahamic Covenant (Gal. 3:29) of anyone, all physical distinctions (Jew/Gentile, bond/free, male/female) having been removed. Those who remove this verse from its context in order to justify their unscriptural views exercise more than poor hermeneutics, they are guilty of grossly manipulating God’s Word (2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Pet. 3:16). Equal but Different Though all believers are equal in God’s sight and He is no respecter of persons, yet the roles and functions of male and female remain forever separate and distinct. Obviously, male and female differences did not cease at the cross, and though equal, God ordained that the woman take a submissive and subordinate role in her relationship to the man (Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18). She is to be a godly wife and mother (1 Pet. 3:1-5); chaste, virtuous, and a “keeper at home” (Prov. 31:10-31; Titus 2:4-5). Her responsibility to the church is the same as that of the godly examples of other women in the New Testament; to pray, fast, intercede, seek first the kingdom, learn, mature in Christ, grow in faith, set a good example, support the ministry, exercise her spiritual gifts, serve the body in love, witness, visit the sick, trust God completely and love Him supremely. Women play a vital part in the church assembly, and Paul identifies several of them as his “fellow laborers” (Rom. 16:3-5; Phil. 4:2-3). Their shining quality in God’s sight is their devotion, modesty, purity, and the manifestation of a meek and quiet spirit (I Pet. 3:1-5). The man’s functions, while similar, do differ in certain aspects. He is to fast, pray, intercede, seek first the kingdom, and set a godly example for his wife and children. He is the “breadwinner” and the spiritual head of his house. He is to “love his wife as Christ loved the church” (Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:19), and raise his children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). According to the New Testament, in the church assembly only men are permitted to function in five-fold ministry if they qualify and are ordained by God (I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; cf. Ja. 3:1). QUESTION 2: WHAT ABOUT ACTS 10:34, WHICH STATES THAT “GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS.” IF HE DOES NOT RESPECT PERSONS, WHY DOES HE FORBID WOMEN TO SERVE IN MINISTRY OFFICES? ANSWER: What desperate attempts a drowning man will make to cling to any straw that might support him. This is yet another example of lifting a verse out of its context in order to try to justify an untenable position. As someone once said, “A proof text out of its context is nothing but a pretext.” The Acts 10 passage stating that God is no respecter of persons is quite clear when taken in its context. God had shown Peter a vision of animals previously considered unclean by Jews, and instructed him to “kill and eat” them (cf. Acts 10:9-16). When Peter refused to eat what was unclean, God responded, “What God has cleansed, that call not thou common” (vs. 14-15). Actually, through this vision God was preparing Peter to accept Gentiles into their fellowship. Previously, Gentiles had been considered unclean by the Jews, and no fellowship with them was allowed: “And he said unto them, ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation: but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean” (Acts 10:28). God had prepared the heart of Cornelius, a devout Gentile, with his family and friends to receive the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. When God sent Peter to the house of Cornelius the full realization of God’s grace being extended to the Gentiles dawned upon him. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: he is lord of all” (Acts 10:34-36). The apostle had then realized the full significance of the vision. He understood that the distinction between clean and unclean foods had an application to human beings, and that, contrary to Jewish belief, no people were to be thought of as common or unclean in the sight of God. When Peter said, “God is no respecter of persons,” he was stating that God shows no partiality to any one people or nation. Any person who trusts Christ and does what is right, whether he be Jew or Gentile, is accepted by God! God had extended saving grace to the Gentiles! This is the meaning of Peter’s statement in its context, as any honest interpreter would acknowledge. The Acts 10:34 passage has no reference whatsoever to women serving in ministry, and those who would seek to support their unscriptural views through this verse must look elsewhere. Is God a “respecter of persons” because He forbids the woman to function in roles He intended for man? Of course not! Rather, He is a respecter of order! The divine order He established must be followed in order for Him to bless. He is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33), but when women try to function in male roles, confusion is inevitable. There is confusion in the home when a wife rejects her God mandated subordinate role to her husband and “wears the pants” in the family (cf. Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18; 1 Cor. 11:3, 8-9). Even “secular” statistics have revealed that homes dominated by women make for unhappier marriages, more insecure children, and higher divorce rates. How can God bless a home, a marriage or a family, when either the husband or the wife refuse to submit to the roles in which God intended for them to function? And there is confusion in the church when divine order is not followed. Paul wrote his epistles to the Corinthian church at least in part, to correct their lack of order in their exercise of spiritual gifts (cf. 1 Cor. 12:1; 1 Cor. 14:40). They had a zeal and enthusiasm for God, and undoubtedly the supernatural gifts flowed freely in their services (1 Cor. 12:7-10). However, Paul knew that unless divine order was followed the inevitable confusion would result in the spiritual decline of the whole church. God does not respect persons (Eph. 6:9), but He does respect and require ORDER in the church assembly! Why else would He go through so much trouble to make it perfectly clear – That women were not allowed to teach men (1 Tim. 2:11-12); That women were to be silent and take a subordinate role to the men in the church (1 Cor. 14:34-35); And that only a man could qualify and meet the conditions God laid out for service in ministry offices (1Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The whole church is out of order when these prohibitions are violated. How can God really bless those who continually refuse to obey His word on this matter? (Lk. 6:46; Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 5:3). QUESTION 3: WHAT ABOUT DEBORAH, MIRIAM, AND ANNA, WHO IN THE OLD TESTAMENT DISPENSATION SEEMED TO SERVE IN MINISTRY OFFICES? ANSWER: Indeed, these women and several others were greatly used of the Lord in the Old Testament dispensation, but not in a sense comparable to five-fold ministry in the New Testament. Miriam Miriam is once called a “prophetess” in Exodus 15:20. That verse and verse 21 following it describe the nature of her ministry as primarily that of leading the Israelite women. Moses was God’s leader of the nation as a whole, but other men ministered and “judged” under his authority (Ex. 18:21-26). Miriam’s task was fundamentally a ministry to the women. A ministry to women by women is not inconsistent with New Testament teaching. Titus 2:3-5 instructs the older women in the Lord to teach the newer ones: “The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Clearly then, women are not only allowed but encouraged to teach other women (and undoubtedly children as well). Certainly the matters referred to in these verses could only be adequately taught by the wise counsel and example of a godly woman. Miriam sinned when she became insubordinate to God’s will and incited Aaron against Moses. Objecting to Moses’ prominence and respected position, she obviously became a leader in the rebellion against his authority (since she was the one God punished, not Aaron). As a result of her involvement in instigating the rebellion, God smote her with leprosy. She was healed when she and Aaron repented and Moses prayed for her healing (Num. 12:1-15). While this might seem to be an extreme example, it does reveal that God will not deal lightly with anyone, male or female, who dares to disregard the order He personally established. Deborah Deborah served as a judge and was also called a prophetess. Her function was mainly advisor, offering counsel, and making judicial determinations in matters of disagreement among parties (Judges 4 and 5). However, leadership seemed to play a minor role in her ministry, and we might note that she called on a man, Barak, when need arose for military leadership to encounter the Canaanites in battle. Unquestionably she was a devout woman who was spiritually mature and blessed by God. Anna Anna, the aged prophetess, is mentioned only briefly in Luke 2:36-38. Her ministry was that of serving God in the temple “…with fastings and prayers night and day.” She was undoubtedly one of the godly remnant in Israel looking expectantly for the coming Messiah. Though a prophetess and a devout servant of God, nowhere do we find anything to suggest that she functioned in any role of leadership or authority. No “Prophetess” in the New Testament Nowhere in the entire New Testament dispensation do we find a woman functioning in the office of prophetess (since Anna lived before the cross and thus in the Old Testament dispensation). The only other time the word is used in the New Testament is in Revelation 2:20-ff, where Jesus rebukes the church at Thyatira: “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” Thus the only prophetess mentioned in the New Testament was this false one who ministered deception to the church at Thyatira. The four daughters of Phillip the Evangelist who prophesied (Acts 21:8-9) were not prophetesses, but exercised the simple gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10: 14:1,26,31) as many other Spirit filled women do (Acts 2:17-18). Acts 21:8-9 in no way suggests that Phillip’s daughters functioned in any five-fold ministry position. Obviously, one cannot scripturally appeal to women in the Old Testament as a justification of the modern practice of women in five-fold ministry. Question 4: Can women scripturally serve in the ministry office of a “deaconess”? Answer: Some have suggested that Romans 16:1 justifies women serving in such an office. The word translated “servant” in the King James Version (KJV) is in the Greek “kiakonos,” which is used as a servant, helper, or official in the church. It simply means that Phebe served the church, perhaps through prayers, visiting those of her own sex, and helping in whatever capacity she could be useful. This verse in no way implies that there was an official office of “deaconess.” In fact, 1 Timothy 3:8-13 sets forth the qualifications of a deacon as an officer of the church: “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” As in the ministry office of a pastor, the deacon must have a grave and sober wife (vs.11). Obviously only men have wives and thus only men could scripturally qualify for the office of a deacon. Also, deacons can have been married to only one wife, and must rule their children and own houses well (verse 12). To rule the house is to be the head and authority of it – a role that can be scripturally fulfilled only by a man (Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18). Thus, Scripture plainly demonstrates that there is no biblical position of “deaconess”. QUESTION 5: HOW FAR DO WE TAKE THE PROHIBITION IN 1 CORINTHIANS 14:34-35? “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” How far do we take this? Can women not speak at all in church? Are they forbidden to share testimonies, or make prayer requests, or to prophesy? ANSWER: This question can best be answered by seeing the subject as a whole, and noting what else the Bible has to say that bears upon this question. We can quality the prohibition in 1 Corinthians 14:34:35 with 1 Corinthians 11:5. Here, the context deals with the church assembly and ordinances (vs.2; 17-ff), and reveals that a woman is allowed to pray and prophesy in the church if she covers her head as a symbol of her willing submission to the headship and authority of the man (vs.3-16), and as long as she does not try to teach or in any way usurp that authority (1 Tim. 2:11-12). Although the Bible doesn’t specifically state that women are allowed to share testimonies (of God’s provision, healing, blessings, etc.) in the assembly, neither does there appear to be any apparent wrongdoing in it, especially when a special time for sharing testimonies is designated, and as long as all things are done “decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). In our local assembly, the sisters in the Lord are encouraged to “stir up the gifts” within them (1Cor. 12:31; 14:1,39), to prophesy, give an utterance in tongues, interpret, or manifest any other gift with which God anoints them (Acts 2:17-18; 21:9; 1 Cor. 11:5; 14:1-ff), keeping in mind that the purpose of the vocal gifts (tongues, interpretation, gift of prophecy) is to edify, exhort, and to comfort the assembly (1Cor. 14:3), not to rebuke or teach it. We also encourage the sisters to share their testimonies of God’s faithfulness and blessings in their lives, under the command of Psalm 107:2, to “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,” and Isaiah 12:4, to “…declare His doings among the people.” QUESTION 6: WHAT ABOUT WOMEN MINISTRIES THAT HAVE TRULY BLESSED MULTITUDES OF PEOPLE? Many people have been saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, inspired, and healed under the ministries of sincere and devoted women, both in the United States and on the mission field. Doesn’t the fact that many people are being blessed by women ministries prove God’s approval of them? ANSWER: Our purpose in writing this publication is not to call into question the motives or intents of women who serve in five-fold ministry. Our interest is to set forth what is scriptural. It seems that the Word of God has been set aside as our guide for faith and practice, and the church at large now condones “whatever works” and is done in the name of Christ (whether it’s biblical or not doesn’t seem to matter). Just because some people are blessed by women preachers is in no way an indication of God’s approval of them! Remember: a. God anoints the preaching of the Word! The Word of God is what blesses, inspires, and changes lives (Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21). It’s the Word that “will not return void” (Isa. 55:11). Jesus said in Mark 16:15-20 that “signs” (miracles) will follow the preaching of the Word. (No human vessel, man or woman, can take credit for what only God’s Word will do if it’s proclaimed!) If the Word of God is preached, people will be blessed by it! b. People were probably “blessed” by Judas Iscariot’s ministry! “Signs and wonders” probably followed his preaching, and people could have been drawn to Christ through it! When Jesus told the twelve that one of them was not genuine, no one suspected Judas. Certainly if his ministry had not borne fruit similar to that of the other eleven they would have suspected him immediately! I know personally of cases where people were saved, healed, and drawn closer to Christ under the ministries of men who were later revealed to be impostors, adulterers, and in one case, a closet homosexual! How can this be? Did the fact that people were blessed under their teaching really demonstrate God’s approval upon the ministry? NO! It simply proves the point…that it’s the Word of God that produces faith in Christ, and has the power to transform lives (Rom. 10:17; Ps. 107:20). c. It’s out of order. Women simply do not qualify scripturally for five-fold ministry. Christ is calling His church to return to the New Testament pattern. He established its order. If people are blessed when things are out of order, how much more will they be blessed when all is in divine order? Those who are serious about discipleship will want their own lives, their homes, and their churches to be in divine order. What shall be our guide in this order? Will we follow people’s arguments, modern reasoning, or excuses without scriptural warrant? Shall we permit men’s logic or popular opinion to guide us, rather than the Word of God? Will we jump on the modernists/feminists bandwagon and allow in our churches what God forbids? Instead of wrestling with what the Bible says on this subject, and instead of trying to justify a conflicting opinion, should we not instead willingly submit to the all wise counsel of God’s eternal Word? After all, doesn’t God in His infinite wisdom know best? ❤️ Lord willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

*GUARD AGAINST DECEPTION* _*”But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).”*_ Genesis chapter 3 exposes a recurring and dangerous pattern of deception that has persisted throughout history. It begins with Eve faithfully recounting to Satan what God had said about the tree of knowledge of good and evil that was in the garden of Eden: _*“...We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”*_ (Genesis 3:2-3). Then Satan responded, _*“...Ye shall not surely die”*_ (Genesis 3:4). He contradicted God directly. But it didn’t end there. The next verse reveals something deeper as Satan continues, _*“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil”*_ (Genesis 3:5). With that statement, Satan moved from contradicting God to accusing Him of deception. It’s the same thing today; those who are masters of deception accuse others of misinformation. Satan accused God of misinformation. His suggestion was that God knew the “real truth” but withheld it from Adam and Eve. This is the master of deception pretending to tell the truth. This pattern of satanic manipulation of truth through subtlety echoes in other biblical narratives. For example, in 2 Samuel 13, we see a similar deception at play. The story began with Amnon, the son of King David who developed a lustful obsession for his sister Tamar. The Septuagint clarified that this was a lust-driven love, not genuine affection. His obsession intensified, and he became sick with longing. The danger emerged when Amnon's friend Jonadab, described as “a very subtle man,” intervened. Jonadab was a cunning advisor who manipulated Amnon into destructive actions that ultimately led to tragedy and death. You must guard your heart against deception by staying with what God has said in His Word. Refuse Satan’s contradictions and perverted truths. Reject every voice that questions the veracity of God’s Word. When your heart is established in God’s truths, you become unmovable, discerning and protected. You recognise deception for what it is and you remain grounded in the integrity of God’s Word. *FURTHER STUDY:* 2 Corinthians 2:11 (ASV) *”that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”* Genesis 3:1-5 (NKJV) *”Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.””* Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV) *”My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”*

Target Blog News Media Publications (Episode 4) The Gatekeeper: The Enduring Power of Gilbert Ramez Chagoury in Nigeria (Compiled By) Televangelist HB Morgan Digital Library Publications Gilbert Ramez Chagoury, a Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire born on January 8, 1946, in Lagos to Lebanese immigrant parents Ramez and Alice Chagoury, embodies the complex interplay of business ambition, political access, and resilience in post-colonial Nigeria. Raised amid the final years of British rule, he was educated at the Collège des Frères Chrétiens in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria, where he began his career in sales—distributing shoes and automobiles—and rose quickly to become a national sales director for a car company. In 1971, he co-founded the Chagoury Group with his younger brother Ronald, initially focusing on construction through C&C Construction (a forerunner to Hitech and ITB). The conglomerate has since diversified into real estate, flour milling, water bottling (Ragolis), glass manufacturing (Glassforce), hospitality (including the iconic Eko Hotel & Suites), telecommunications, insurance, furniture, and international financing. It employs thousands of Nigerians and operates across West Africa, with the family's wealth estimated in the billions (around $4.2 billion in some reports). Chagoury's story is one of survival through Nigeria's turbulent transitions—from military rule to fragile democracy—while building (and sometimes defending) a vast empire. Often described as a "man with no title and no office" who nonetheless wields significant influence, he has outlasted multiple heads of state through strategic relationships, large-scale projects, and adept navigation of legal and political challenges. I. Early Years, the Abacha Era, and the "Gatekeeper" Role Chagoury's business grew steadily in the 1970s and 1980s amid Nigeria's oil boom and infrastructure needs. His close association with General Sani Abacha (military head of state 1993–1998) elevated both his profile and notoriety. During this period, Chagoury served as a key advisor and intermediary, sometimes called Abacha's "financial advisor" or "gatekeeper." He reportedly facilitated back-channel diplomacy, including meetings with international figures like U.S. Congressman Bill Richardson in private settings. Abacha's regime was later accused of looting an estimated $2–5 billion from the Nigerian treasury. Investigations linked Chagoury to facilitating transfers; Swiss authorities identified his role in helping set up accounts (sometimes under false names) that received over $120 million traced to the Central Bank of Nigeria. He acted as a reference for Abacha's associates at institutions like Credit Suisse. Chagoury has maintained that he was unaware the funds were illicit and that dealings were legitimate business transactions. After Abacha's sudden death in 1998, probes intensified. Chagoury reportedly returned an estimated $300 million in total across settlements to secure indemnity and resolve issues, though figures vary by source (with $66 million specifically tied to one Swiss deal). II. Legal Battles, Convictions, and Narrow Escapes Chagoury's post-Abacha years involved significant legal scrutiny. In 2000, a Geneva court convicted him of money laundering and aiding a criminal organization related to the Abacha funds. He negotiated a settlement: paying a fine (around 1 million Swiss francs) and agreeing to return $66 million to Nigeria. The record was reportedly expunged after two years as part of the deal. Chagoury's lawyers emphasized his cooperation and denial of knowledge about the funds' origins. In Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Nuhu Ribadu (later National Security Adviser under Tinubu) pursued him. In July 2004, Ribadu orchestrated a sting: luring Chagoury to a remote northeastern airstrip for arrest on business-related charges that could lead to broader Abacha-era probes. Officers waited, but a radio tip-off allowed Chagoury's private jet to touch down briefly and immediately take off again, evading capture. Ribadu later described Chagoury as a "kingpin" in the corruption of that era, stating that investigating graft inevitably led to him. Chagoury has downplayed the incident. These episodes highlighted his ability to "escape" jeopardy through settlements, timing, and networks, allowing his businesses to persist and expand. III. Rebuilding Reputation: U.S. Connections and Philanthropy To rehabilitate his image after the Abacha scandals, Chagoury cultivated ties in Washington and beyond. He and his brother became notable donors to the Clinton Foundation. Gilbert contributed between $1 million and $5 million; the Chagoury Group pledged $1 billion toward the Eko Atlantic project as part of a Clinton Global Initiative commitment on climate and coastal issues. Bill Clinton praised the project publicly, and emails showed Chagoury receiving priority treatment from Hillary Clinton's State Department circle. Critics raised questions about potential influence on U.S. decisions, such as interest in placing a new Lagos consulate at Eko Atlantic (though the deal's status evolved). Chagoury also engaged Republican circles. In 2021, he entered a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, paying $1.8 million to resolve allegations of a "straw donor" scheme. As a foreign national barred from direct U.S. campaign contributions, he was accused of providing approximately $180,000 (via associates) that was funneled through U.S. individuals to campaigns across three election cycles (including some for Mitt Romney's joint committee and Republican House members). He admitted the intent and structure but resolved the matter civilly, with prosecutors citing his cooperation and "unique assistance" to the U.S. government as factors. No criminal charges were filed against him personally. These moves—philanthropy, high-profile pledges, and political donations—helped reposition him as a global player and developer. IV. Eko Atlantic: A Private City and Symbol of Ambition The most visible emblem of Chagoury's vision is Eko Atlantic, a massive privately funded city on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean off Lagos' Bar Beach (Victoria Island). Developed by South Energyx Nigeria Ltd. (a Chagoury Group subsidiary), it spans about 9 km² with an 8.4 km revetment/seawall designed to withstand severe storms and erosion. The project, costing billions, aims to create a modern, high-end district with residential, commercial, and institutional space—sometimes compared ambitiously to Manhattan—while addressing coastal flooding that once threatened Victoria Island. The land grant and approvals trace back to the Lagos State government under Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1999–2007), who signed the statutory right of occupancy around 2006. Construction involved large-scale sand reclamation. Critics highlighted the 2008 clearance of the Bar Beach coastal community using force (tear gas and fire), displacing thousands (estimates vary widely, up to tens of thousands in some accounts) and raising questions about community impact versus long-term flood defense and economic gains. Proponents frame it as transforming a natural hazard into valuable, protected urban land that protects existing Lagos infrastructure. Bill Clinton attended a 2013 dedication ceremony. Eko Atlantic underscores Chagoury's focus on large-scale real estate and his partnership with Nigerian political leadership. V. The Tinubu Era: Zenith of Influence and Mega-Projects With Bola Tinubu's election as president in 2023, Chagoury's access appeared to peak. He was listed on Nigeria's official delegation to COP28 in Dubai with the distinctive title "Confidant of Mr. President." In January 2026, on his 80th birthday, Tinubu conferred on him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) —Nigeria's second-highest national honor—citing decades of contributions to economic development, hospitality, infrastructure, and nation-building. No large public ceremony was widely reported. Chagoury companies, particularly Hitech Construction, have secured major infrastructure contracts, often without competitive bidding. The most prominent is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700 km project estimated at around 15 trillion naira ($11–13 billion+), linking Lagos to Calabar and passing through multiple southern states. It includes concrete paving expertise and has drawn controversy over cost, procurement process, potential demolitions of beachfront businesses, and the close Tinubu-Chagoury ties. The government defends it as following due process, leveraging Chagoury's experience (e.g., prior Lagos roads), and delivering critical connectivity, ports access, and economic stimulus. Additional phases and funding (including loans) have been discussed. Other projects and influence continue across sectors. Critics, including opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and transparency advocates, question potential cronyism, conflict of interest (noting family/business overlaps in some reports), and opportunity costs amid Nigeria's fiscal challenges. Supporters emphasize job creation, Chagoury's long-term investments, and delivery capacity in a country with chronic infrastructure deficits. Conclusion: Resilience in Nigeria's Power Landscape Gilbert Chagoury has navigated military dictatorships, democratic transitions, international probes, and domestic controversies for over five decades. From immigrant roots and early sales work to co-founding a diversified conglomerate, he built an empire spanning construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate while forging enduring political relationships—from Abacha to the Clintons to Tinubu. His trajectory illustrates broader themes in Nigerian political economy: the role of private capital in infrastructure, the blurred lines between business and state power, the challenges of accountability in high-stakes deals, and the enduring influence of networks that transcend regimes. Eko Atlantic stands as a physical legacy of coastal engineering and ambition; the Lagos-Calabar highway may become another if completed. Whether viewed as a visionary developer taming the Atlantic and driving growth, or as a symbol of entrenched influence and past legal entanglements, Chagoury remains a pivotal, resilient figure—"the gatekeeper" who has consistently found ways to stay relevant in Nigeria's complex story. Courtesy of: Target Blog News Media Publications

Rev. Scott Charles Wolfe, Minister of Reconciliation And Ambassador for Christ Area Advisor To Troop Chaplains Laurel Highlands Area Northeast Region Trail Life USA https://www.traillifeusa.com/ https://www.tlusa-ne.org/ Walk Worthy! Colossians 1:10: that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

STORACALS OF PROPHECY # 5 Hello friends, family, and my brothers, and sisters in Christ. This is Brother Johnny Gass. Welcome to Bible study. Study to show thyself to approved unto God, a Workman unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Please share these lessons with everyone you know for the expansion of the kingdom of God. Storacles of Prophesy # 6 The Law of the King After Darius, king of the Medes and Persians, had conquered Babylon, he executed all Babylonian government officials, except one. That fortunate man was Daniel, a servant of the true God. Seventy years earlier, he had been carried from Judah to Babylon as a captive and made to serve in the palace as an advisor to the Babylonian kings. Daniel became known throughout the kingdom for having "an excellent spirit." Daniel 5:12 6:3. Not only did King Darius spare Daniel, but he "thought to set him over the whole realm." Daniel 6:3. When the Medo-Persian officials learned that the king was going to promote an old Hebrew captive to rule over them, they were jealous and outraged. So they plotted to entice Darius to sign a law that for the next 30 days, anyone who petitioned any god or man except the king would be thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6:7). Apparently these men knew that Daniel was unswerving in his prayer life and firmly committed to obeying the law of his God, which forbids worship of any other gods (Exodus 20:3). Just as they expected, the officials caught Daniel praying to God from his open window. When King Darius discovered that he had been tricked and that his old friend was headed for the lions' pit, he tried every possible angle to deliver Daniel from the foolish law he had signed. But the law could not be changed. Daniel went to the lions' den, and God rewarded his faithfulness by sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths (Daniel 6:22). Prophecy tells us that in the last days, God's people will have to make a similar decision regarding which king and which law they will obey. 1. Can God's moral law be amended or repealed? Luke 16:17. And it is easier for heaven and earth to ________, than one tittle of the law to fail. Psalms 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Psalms 111:7, 8 All his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever. Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Under no circumstances can God's Ten Commandment law ever be amended or repealed. It is as permanent as God Himself. Three times in the Bible, earthly kings (Herod, Ahasuerus, and Darius) made laws they later wanted to change but could not. If the laws of weak, vacillating kings were unchangeable, how could anyone think that the eternal law of God, written in stone by His finger, could be altered? Look at this comparison between God and His law. Characteristics: God Is: The Law Is: GOOD Luke 18:19 Romans 7:12 HOLY Isaiah 5:16 Romans 7:12 JUST Deuteronomy 32:4 Romans 7:12 PERFECT Matthew 5:48 Psalms 19:7 LOVE 1 John 4:8 Romans 13:10 RIGHTEOUS Exodus 9:27 Psalms 19:9 TRUTH Deuteronomy 32:4 Psalms 119:142,151 PURE 1 John 3:3 Psalms 19:8 SPIRITUAL John 4:24 Romans 7:14 UNCHANGEABLE Malachi 3:6 Matthew 5:18 ETERNAL Genesis 21:33 Psalms 111:7,8 God's law cannot be changed, because it is a transcript of His character. The glorious words in Scripture that describe God also describe His law. God's law is His character in writing. It is no more possible to change God's law than to change God Himself. 2. According to the Bible, what is sin? 1 John 3:4. Sin is the __________________________ of the law. Romans 3:20 By the law is the knowledge of sin. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The devil hates the law because it makes us aware that we need a Saviour from sin. Romans 4:15 states: "For where no law is, there is no transgression." The law cannot save anyone, but it shows us God's perfection and our imperfection. 3. To what law does 1 John 3:4 refer? Romans 7:7. I had not __________ sin, but by the law: for I had not __________ lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: It is God's Ten Commandment law that says, "Thou shalt not covet." So breaking God's Ten Commandment law, which He wrote with His own finger (Exodus 31:18; 32:16), is sin. Every sin that any person could ever commit is condemned by at least one of the Ten Commandments. This is why God's law is called "broad" (Psalms 119:96) and "perfect" (Psalms 19:7). It covers the "whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13. When we are aware of our sin, we look for a Saviour. So the devil especially hates the law, because it sends us looking for Jesus to save and forgive. 4. Did Jesus keep the Ten Commandments? John 15:10. I have ________ my Father's commandments. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Jesus did indeed keep the Ten Commandments as an example for us (1 Peter 2:21). 5. How many people have sinned? Romans 3:23. For ______ have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Answer : ____________________ 6. What is the punishment for living a life of sin? Romans 6:23. The wages of sin is _________. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: If God's law could be changed, it would not have been necessary for Jesus to die on the cross. The fact that Jesus paid the penalty for sin and died is proof that the law is unchangeable. 7. Some say the Ten Commandments are not binding for New Testament Christians. What does Jesus say about this? Matthew 19:17. If thou wilt enter into life, ________ the commandments. John 14:15 If ye love me, __________ my commandments. Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments. Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that __________ the commandments of God. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The New Testament plainly teaches that God's people will keep His commandments. All of us know that the world is in big trouble today because so many no longer feel it is important to obey God's law. The Bible speaks of our day by saying, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law." Psalms 119:126. 8. How is it possible to keep the commandments? Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through __________ which strengtheneth me. Romans 8:3, 4 God sending his own Son ... condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. Philippians 1:6 He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus __________. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: When a person is born again, Jesus Christ, through His Holy Spirit, moves into that person's life and miraculously makes obedience possible. 9. What is the old covenant, and why did it fail? Hebrews 8:8-9. Deuteronomy 4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote __________ upon two tables of stone. Hebrews 8:8-9For finding fault with _______, he saith, ... I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took __________ by the hand to lead __________ out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded __________ not, saith the Lord. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The fault with the old covenant was with the people, not with God or His law. Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 10. Upon which law is the new covenant based? Hebrews 8:10. For this is the covenant that I will make ... saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their ____________. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: The two covenants were agreements between God and His people. The old covenant failed because it was based upon the faulty promises and works of the people. Exodus 24:7 All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. The new covenant succeeds because it is God's law written in the heart and is based upon Jesus' promises and His miracle-working power. Hebrews 8:10 I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts. A person's entire nature is changed, so he finds doing God's will a pleasure. Notice that the new covenant is based on the same law, but it is written in a different place (the heart) and based on better promises (God's). 11. Doesn't living under grace, by faith, make keeping God's law non-essential? Romans 6:15. What then? Shall we sin [break God's law], because we are not under the law, but under grace? ___ _______. (two word answer) Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? __________: yea, we establish the law. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Those who have been forgiven by Jesus for breaking His law are doubly duty-bound to obey His law. And sensing His blessed forgiveness, they are more desirous than others to happily follow Jesus. 12. Are people saved by keeping the law? Ephesians 2:8, 9. For by __________ are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: No one is saved by keeping God's law. All are saved by the miracle-working grace of God. But those who are saved, or transformed, by the grace of Jesus will want to obey His law as an expression of their love and thanksgiving to Him. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 13. What motivates a person to obey God's law? Romans 13:10. Therefore ________ is the fulfilling of the law. Matthew 22:37-39 Thou shalt __________ the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt __________ thy neighbor as thyself. 1 John 5:3 This is the __________ of God, that we keep his commandments. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Love is the magnificent motivator. The first four commandments have to do with my duty to God. When I love Him, obeying those commands is a pleasure. The last six commandments embrace my duty to people. If I truly love people, I will not want to do anything that would hurt them. 14. Can I be a true Christian without keeping His commandments? 1 John 2:3, 4. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we ________ his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and __________eth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Answer : ____________________ 15. Are some Old Testament laws no longer binding upon Christians? Ephesians 2:15. Having abolished ... the law of commandments contained in _______________. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Yes, the ordinances that regulated the priesthood and the sacrificial system have been abolished because they prefigured Christ (Colossians 2:13-17). He fulfilled them as the true Lamb of God. 16. Whom does the devil especially hate? Revelation 12:17. And the dragon [devil] was wroth with the woman [the church], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed [faithful during the end time], which keep the ________________ of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Satan hates and is infuriated with God's end-time church, which obeys Jesus' commands and teaches people that there is divine power to change a sinner into a saint. 17. What are some of the glorious rewards of keeping God's law? John 15:11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your ______ might be full. Proverbs 29:18 He that keepeth the law, happy is he. Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Answer : ____________________ NOTE: Happiness, joy, peace, and more abundant living come to those who obey God's law. No wonder David said that God's commands are more desirable than gold (Psalms 19:10). 18. Do you desire to have a loving relationship with Jesus that will lead you to be one of His joyful, obedient children? Answer : ____________________ Supplemental Study Parallels Between Bible Characters and Jesus Many of the Bible heroes are types and patterns of Jesus. Moses, Joseph, David, and Solomon were all people who, at some point in their lives, foreshadowed the life and ministry of Christ. The similarities between their experiences were intended to help the world recognize Jesus as the Son of God. Daniel's experience with the law and the lions is one example of such a spiritual parallel. Notice the following similarities: -The leaders in Medo-Persia wanted to remove Daniel from his high position because they were jealous of his close relationship with the king. Daniel 6:3 says, "The king thought to set him over the whole realm." Likewise, the leaders in Jerusalem wanted to get rid of Jesus because they were jealous of His close relationship with the King of the universe (John 5:18-20). -The Medo-Persian officials followed Daniel around in an attempt to catch him doing or saying something wrong (Daniel 6:4). The religious leaders of Jesus' day sent spies to follow Jesus, hoping to catch Him doing or saying something wrong (Luke 20:19, 20). -Daniel's enemies could find no fault with him, so they created a trap to accomplish their purposes (Daniel 6:5-9). Likewise, the chief priests and scribes conspired with Judas Iscariot to make a trap for Jesus (Luke 22:2-6). However, Pilate declared that he found no fault in Jesus (John 19:4). -After Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, a stone was placed over the entrance and sealed with the government seal (Daniel 6:16, 17). Jesus also was placed in a tomb that had a large stone at the door and was sealed by the government (Matthew 27:58-60, 65, 66). -Both Daniel and Jesus were innocent and emerged alive from their earthen prisons (Daniel 6:23 Mark 16:5, 6). See if you can find other parallels between the lives of Bible characters and the life of Jesus! To learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Sabbath, please visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church. Or please visit us at Rossville Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 1737 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville Georgia 30741 Pastor; Greg Hudson Services start at 11am on Saturday (Sabbath) morning.

AMAZING FACTS Daily Devotionals Leading God’s Church. April 6th, 2026 A wise leader once said, “Success without a successor is failure.” You might disagree at first—but think about it: Any successful enterprise that doesn’t have a plan to continue beyond the working life of its founders may not be successful for very long. In the business world, companies often take out a “key person” insurance policy to provide cash—and a lot of it—if a top executive dies suddenly. Without that leader, a firm, especially a new one, might falter or even collapse. The church differs from a business in that we have an Advisor with divine attributes. Throughout the story of the early church, we see again and again the leading and counsel of the Holy Spirit—sometimes telling the church what to do (Acts 13:4) or what not to do (Acts 16:6). The Spirit shepherded and molded the band of Jesus’ disciples into a leadership team able to manage a growing community, one that would turn the world “upside down” (Acts 17:6). Such heavenly direction was not based on nebulous impressions or fickle feelings. The Spirit specifically guided the church. Simeon was told “by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). After receiving a vision, Peter was told by the Spirit, “Three men are seeking you” (Acts 10:19). Some disciples “told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:4). Instead of looking to fallible human beings, prudent leaders of God’s church will seek the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit in their deliberations. They will pray for help, and listen for the “still, small voice” of direction, which Jesus promised would be given. Apply It: When your congregation is trying to decide on a course of action, encourage those making the decision to seek the Holy Sprit’s wisdom. Dig Deeper: Acts 13:1–4; Acts 16:6, 7; Acts 20:28 Key Bible Texts For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; (Acts 15:28 KJV)

EUPHORIA Devotional (The spirit of joy, an ecstasy that comes from God) April 4, 2026 STEP OFF THE SHORES REV. AROME E. TOKULA Psalms 107:23-24 23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, who DO BUSINESS on GREAT WATERS, 24 THEY SEE THE WORKS of the LORD, and HIS WONDERS in the deep. Many are afraid of stepping off the shores into the deep ‘oceans’ of life in order to do business with God’s Word. They are fearful and will not dare to act by giving motion to their faith and because of that they don’t get the big ‘catch.' God is calling us to come off the shores of life and take an adventure of faith by acting upon His Word. When you have a revelation of the nature and character of God it won’t be ‘hard’ to trust what He says because faith isn’t a leap in the dark but a leap on the Word of God. This is exactly what Peter did when Jesus told him to come. Peter acted upon Jesus’ Word and walked on water (Matthew 14:19-20). There were no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ for Peter! What made Peter walk on water in simple faith was because he knew the character of Jesus. He knew that Jesus could be trusted and that He wouldn’t lie to him. Though it didn’t make sense to walk on water, Peter acted on the Words from the mouth of Jesus. This is why you must understand that faith isn’t a mechanical process that we follow but the result of a relationship we enjoy. Your faith is strengthened in the place of fellowship because you cannot trust who you do not know. Peter said, “… Lord, IF IT IS YOU, command me to come to You ON THE WATER,” so Jesus said, “Come!” (Matthew 14:28-29). It had to be Jesus “not someone else” for Peter to step out of that boat. Those who know their God are strong and they do exploits (Daniel 11:32). It is important as a child of God that every day you have special moments of devotion spent alone in fellowship with God. I call these moments ‘private devotion’ while some call it ‘quiet time.’ It is a time to be alone with God in meditation in His Word as you allow His Words to become personal to you. This is where faith is born. Without times like these, the life of faith will be a struggle. When you know that God’s Word is the very Word of God speaking to you, it won’t be a struggle to act upon His Word like you would the word of your financial advisor, doctor, or coach. Like we see in our text, it is those who do business in ‘great’ waters that see the wonders of God! If you want to see the wonders, then stop playing safe! Do what He says to do! Step off the shores today into the deep waters and experience new levels of victory. DECLARE There are no impossibilities because the Word of God is my foundation for life. I know my Father and my faith is strengthened to act upon His Word. Thank You Father because Your Word can be depended upon because they are spoken from Your lips. I believe that I am healed, blessed, and favored in all that I do in Jesus' Name. PONDER Faith isn’t a mechanical process that you follow but the result of a relationship you enjoy with God. #IOFWithPastorArome #MorningDevotion #Euphoria #Devotional #April #EternaVerities #2026_RevelationAndUprise