Matthew 20:1-16 And Jesus continues with the lesson of the first being the last with this parable. A landowner is the comparison this time. The Kingdom of God is like a landowner seeking employees in the early morning. He hires them for a denarius for the day. This was the typical amount for a day's wages for a laborer so this wouldn't have been unusual. The unusual bit would come later. But then Jesus adds to the story that this owner then returns to the market another 4 times to hire workers for the same amount he paid workers for all day. And at the end of the day this landowner lines up those he hired and begins paying them by starting with the latest hired and chosing to pay all workers a full day's wage. Now Jesus did this as part of a lesson, explaining that those who worked and bore the heat of the day would complain. But the truth is a denarius was a fair wage for the period of a full day. And the owner was well within his rights to pay what he wished. The idea was that what was given was the same reward whether one came early or one came late. The big picture is Jesus is making it clear that the reward of eternal life goes to even those who show up late. In context, Jesus is saying that the Kingdom is going to be open to the groups the nation of Israel considered beneath them and as a result would be jealous of those who are brought into the kingdom even if they were not brought in from the beginning as Israel was. Even today, non messianic Jews are extremely jealous in defending their position before God as His original people and cannot grasp that from 70 AD to current times there's been no temple at which to offer sacrifice. No real Aaronic priesthood either. The thought of anyone entering into God's kingdom apart from the nation of Israel is repugnant to them, let alone the idea someone would be entering before them. And some of the apostles really continued to struggle with this concept of Gentiles being welcomed into God's Kingdom. Especially Peter, who was part of the problem that became known as the first great heresy of the church. It took the Apostle Paul to correct him. So the Catholic notion of an infallible Peter is entirely fictional. It took 2 consecutive visions from God to get Peter off his butt to go speak with Cornelius. Even then, Peter hesitated to share the gospel with a Gentile. And even after this, Peter shares in the heresy and even Barnabas is carried away. Jesus is using the national pride of Israel against them. He knows their jealousy regarding others who joined the Kingdom. The first century Jews were zealous for their nation while at the same time having what they considered good reasons to despise other nations. The faithful Jews who did receive Jesus heard Him when He taught that ALL nations would be blessed with the gift of being able to turn to Him and believe. They heard him. And this was one of the great failures of Peter and some of the other believers. On the day of judgment, the faithful witnesses will be standing behind the believers of today for their reward. Not because we earned it, but because God has mercy. Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 [15] “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen; to him you shall listen. [16] This is in accordance with everything that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Do not let me hear the voice of the Lord my God again, and do not let me see this great fire anymore, or I will die!’ [17] And the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. [18] I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. [19] And it shall come about that whoever does not listen to My words which he speaks in My name, I Myself will require it of him. Moses knew the Messiah would be rejected and God says if any Israelite does not listen to Him, God would require their punishment and they will be utterly cut off from the people of God. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are the new Israel. We are the saints, we are the last who became first. We are not better than the Jews, we are not worse off. We are saved by grace through faith. We should with our very last breath be sharing the gospel with everyone. [1] “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. [2] When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace; [4] and to those he said, ‘You go into the vineyard also, and whatever is right, I will give you.’ And so they went. [5] Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he *said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day long?’ [7] They *said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He *said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ [8] “Now when evening came, the owner of the vineyard *said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, starting with the last group to the first.’ [9] When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. [10] And so when those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. [11] When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, [12] saying, ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day’s work and the scorching heat.’ [13] But he answered and said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. [15] Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’ [16] So the last shall be first, and the first, last.”

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 3 PLACES IN YOUR HOME THAT NEED PRAYER Theme: When You Pray Over Your House, You Build a Spiritual Wall Around Your Family Your home is more than a building. It is a place where destinies are formed, children are raised, marriages are strengthened, decisions are made, and spiritual battles are sometimes fought. You can lock your doors physically and still leave your home spiritually exposed. That is why prayer must not only happen in the church. Your home must become an altar. Joshua declared: «“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15» Joshua did not say, “As for me, I will serve the Lord.” He said, “Me and my house.” There are places in your house that should not only be cleaned, decorated, or furnished—they should be covered in prayer. Today, we are looking at three places in your home that need prayer. 1. YOUR BEDROOM — PRAY OVER YOUR REST, MARRIAGE AND PRIVATE LIFE The bedroom is a place of rest, intimacy, vulnerability, and sometimes deep emotional battles. It is where you sleep after the activities of the day. It is also where many people experience anxiety, fear, disturbing thoughts, marital tensions, and spiritual heaviness. Bible Verse «“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8» Notice the connection: Sleep + peace + God's protection. Before you sleep, don't only check your phone. Check your spiritual atmosphere. Pray over your bed. Pray for peaceful sleep. Pray over your marriage. Pray against fear and anxiety. Pray for your thoughts. Pray that your home will be a place of peace. For Married Couples The bedroom should not become a battlefield of bitterness. Husbands and wives should learn to pray together. A marriage that prays together is inviting God into its battles. Deep Spiritual Insight The enemy wants to disturb your peace because he knows that a tired, fearful and confused person is easier to discourage. But God gives His beloved sleep. «“He giveth his beloved sleep.” — Psalm 127:2» Prayer “Father, let Your peace fill this bedroom. Let everyone who sleeps here experience divine rest. Protect our minds, our marriage, our bodies and our dreams. Let every atmosphere of fear, confusion and unrest disappear, in Jesus' name.” 2. YOUR LIVING ROOM — PRAY OVER YOUR FAMILY'S WORDS, RELATIONSHIPS AND DECISIONS The living room is where families gather. People talk there. Arguments can happen there. Children learn there. Guests enter there. Important decisions are sometimes made there. Therefore, your living room needs an altar of prayer. Bible Verse «“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15» The home should have a spiritual identity. Ask yourself: What atmosphere dominates my home? Is it prayer? Is it love? Is it anger? Is it television? Is it social media? Is it gossip? Is it constant quarrelling? Your home will eventually reflect what you consistently permit. A Biblical Example: Cornelius In Acts 10, we meet Cornelius, a man whose household was connected to God. His home became a place where God's presence and instruction were welcomed. The Bible says: «“He was a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house.” — Acts 10:2» Notice the phrase: “With all his house.” One person's spiritual commitment can influence an entire household. Practical Application Make your living room a place where: - The Bible is read. - Children are taught God's Word. - Family prayer happens. - Thanksgiving is offered. - Forgiveness is practiced. - Christian conversations are encouraged. You don't need a large prayer meeting. Sometimes, ten minutes of sincere family prayer can change the atmosphere of a home. Prayer “Lord, let this home be filled with love, wisdom, unity and Your Word. Let our conversations bring grace. Let our decisions be guided by You. Remove bitterness, hatred and unnecessary conflict from this family, in Jesus' name.” 3. YOUR FRONT DOOR / GATE — PRAY OVER WHAT ENTERS AND LEAVES YOUR HOME Your door represents access. People enter through it. Things enter through it. Influences enter through it. And although we should not become superstitious about physical objects, we should understand the spiritual principle of guarding what we allow into our lives and homes. Bible Verse «“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23» Your home needs boundaries. Not everything should enter your home. Not every conversation should enter your home. Not every relationship should enter your home. Not every piece of entertainment should enter your home. Not every influence should have access to your children. Psalm 101:3 David said: «“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.”» This is a powerful principle for the modern home. Today, your front door is not the only entrance into your house. Your phone is a door. Your television is a door. The internet is a door. Social media is a door. What are you allowing to enter? Practical Spiritual Watchfulness Pray: “Lord, give us discernment concerning what we allow into this home.” Don't only pray for God to protect your family. Teach your family what to reject. A REAL-LIFE PICTURE Imagine a father who locks his doors every night. He checks the windows. He installs security lights. He even has security personnel around his compound. But inside the house, nobody prays. There is constant hatred between husband and wife. The children consume anything they find online. The television is always on, but the Bible is rarely opened. The family eats together but hardly prays together. The house may be physically secure but spiritually neglected. The answer is not fear. The answer is Christ-centered living and consistent prayer. 5 PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Establish a family prayer time. It doesn't have to be one hour. Start with 10–15 minutes daily. 2. Pray in every room. Walk through your home occasionally and pray—not because the walls have magical power, but because your family belongs to God. 3. Watch what enters through your screens. Ask: “Is this content helping my family spiritually or poisoning our atmosphere?” 4. Teach your children to pray. Don't make prayer only the responsibility of the pastor. Teach your children to call upon God themselves. 5. Make your home an altar, not merely a residence. A Christian home should have evidence of Christ. Let there be Scripture. Let there be forgiveness. Let there be worship. Let there be prayer. Let there be love. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. What atmosphere currently dominates my home? 2. Do we pray together as a family? 3. What are we allowing into our home through our phones and entertainment? 4. Is there unresolved bitterness in my household? 5. If Jesus physically visited my home today, would I be comfortable with everything He would see and hear? 6. Am I building a house or building a godly legacy? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, let Your presence fill my home and let Your peace rule in every room, in Jesus' name. 2. Every power working against the unity and peace of my household, be defeated in Jesus' name. 3. Lord, protect every member of my family from evil influences and destructive relationships. 4. Father, give our children wisdom and protect them from ungodly influences. 5. Every atmosphere of fear, confusion, hatred and unnecessary conflict in my home, I command it to end, in Jesus' name. 6. Lord, restore every broken relationship in my household. 7. Let my home become a place where Your Word is honoured, Your name is worshipped and Your presence is welcomed. 8. Father, let no member of my household be lost spiritually. Draw us all closer to Christ. 9. Give every parent in this house wisdom to lead this family according to Your Word. 10. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! CALL TO ACTION Beloved, don't wait until there is a crisis before you pray over your home. Don't wait until your marriage is collapsing. Don't wait until your child has been badly influenced. Don't wait until fear has taken over. Build the altar before the battle comes. Tonight, when you enter your bedroom, pray. When you sit in your living room, pray. When you pass through your door, pray. And remember: Your house may have beautiful furniture, expensive electronics and modern decorations—but the greatest decoration a Christian home can have is the presence of God. Joshua made a decision: «“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15» Make that decision today. Let your bedroom become a place of peace. Let your living room become a place of unity. Let your home become a place of prayer. Let your family become a testimony of God's faithfulness. PRAY OVER YOUR HOME. PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY. BUILD THE ALTAR. AND LET CHRIST BE THE HEAD OF YOUR HOUSE. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/share/1AVbtZtLvC/

🏠 *MOUNT ZION SHEPHERD HOUSE MINISTRIES _Daily Scriptural Prayer Broadcast_ Topic: THE GOD THAT HEARS PRAYERS Bible Reading: 1 John 5 _. _Meditation:. 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: Therefore I decree: * Let your heavens of your answers prayers open now * Let God speak a word of permanent solutions to your situations today * Let divine authority always support every word of your prayers * Let all your long time petitions before God begins to receive attention * Let God arise and remember you today after the order of Cornelius * Let all your pain and trouble be converted to testimonies, in the mighty name of Jesus. Good Morning............. For prayers and counseling: 08114857087 For donations, tithe and offerings: church acc: 3003819228 Name: Mount Zion Shepherd House Ministries Bank: KUDA MICROFINANCE BANK Pastor Bamidele Olusegun Moses

Let's talk about it. Peter’s Vision & God’s Dietary Laws: How Could the Churches Get This So Wrong? There's a teaching in Christianity that totally contradicts what scripture itself says. It is more than just taking it out of context. They teach that when a sheet full of all kinds of animals came down from heaven and a voice told Peter to kill and eat, the ancient dietary laws were thrown out right then and there. According to the Church, the line between clean and unclean animals was erased, making all meat ok to eat. This is taught so much that people don't even question it. But Peter himself tells exactly what the vision meant, and his answer has nothing to do with food. Long before Peter ever goes up on that roof to pray, it starts back in Caesarea with a man named Cornelius. Acts 10:1-2 introduces him as a Roman centurion, a devout man who feared God with his whole house, gave generously to the needy, and prayed to God all the time. The entire chapter is deliberately set up around this Gentile from the very first verse. This tells us the vision Peter has a little later wasn't random. Heaven is already moving to reconnect two worlds, and the focus is already on a non-Jewish believer. While Cornelius's men were on the way, Peter went up on the housetop to pray around the sixth hour, and while they were preparing the meal, he became hungry and wanted to eat. Falling into a trance, he sees a great sheet come down filled with all kinds of four-footed animals, crawling things, and birds. In Acts 10:14, when the voice tells him to rise, kill, and eat, Peter refuses, saying, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." Even with hunger pressing on him and a voice from heaven speaking directly to him three times, the man who is supposedly getting permission to eat whatever he wants still refuses to touch what God called unclean. If the dietary laws were being thrown out, this was the perfect moment for him to give in, but he treats the levitical dietary instructions as binding and never gives in. After the vision Peter was confused about what it meant. He couldn't figure it out. But when the men sent by Cornelius show up at the gate, the Spirit speaks to Peter, telling him to go down and go with them without hesitating, because God sent them. The arrival of these Gentile visitors matches the timing of the vision on purpose. The Spirit intentionally links the unclean animals in the sheet with the "unclean" Gentiles standing at the gate. When Peter gets to Cornelius's house, he finally explains the true meaning of the vision in his own words. Talking to the crowd gathered there in Acts 10:28, Peter said to them, "You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean." This ties the whole account together. Peter doesn't say God showed him it's okay to eat pork and shellfish; he says straight out that God showed him not to call any human being unclean. Peter doesn't stop there. He keeps going in 34-35, saying, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him." This is Peter telling us in his own words what the vision was about. It wasn't about animals being acceptable to eat. It was about people from every nation being acceptable to God. It is worth noting what kind of law Peter is talking about. When he calls it unlawful for a Jew to associate with a foreigner, he is not referring to anything written in the Torah. Nowhere in the Law of God did He ever forbid His people from entering the home of a Gentile or sharing a meal with one. This was a man-made tradition built up over centuries, an extra-biblical command. So the wall the vision tears down was never a wall God put up in the first place. This explanation is reiterated in the very next chapter. When Peter goes back to Jerusalem in 11:1-3, the circumcision party confronts him, wanting to know why he went to uncircumcised men and ate with them. Peter responds by telling the whole story of the vision from start to finish, landing on the same conclusion. When the believers in Jerusalem hear this in 11:18, they glorify God, realizing that God has also granted the Gentiles repentance. Two times the vision is explained in the text, and both times the conclusion is strictly about including the Gentiles. On top of that, the Jerusalem believers don't raise a single question or objection about food, proving they understood the matter was about fellowship with people as well. Looking closely at the story makes it clear what the vision did and didn't change. It changed who Peter could walk into a house with, sit next to, and share a meal with, breaking down centuries of unbiblical man-made tradition. It did not change what YHVH defined as food in Leviticus 11. Years after this happened, the book of Acts still shows the believers keeping the Torah. The foundation of clean and unclean animals goes back before the covenant at Sinai. We see this in Genesis 7:2 when God tells Noah, "You shall take seven pairs of every clean animal with you, the male and his female. Of the animals that are not clean, take two, the male and his female." Notice that no explanation is given to Noah at all. God speaks of clean and unclean animals as something Noah already understood, generations before Sinai and long before Israel existed as a nation. People often try to claim this difference was only for sacrificial purposes, but the text never states that. Jesus says in Matthew 5:18, "For faithfully I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the Law, until all things are accomplished." As far as I can tell, heaven and earth are still here. This is one of those things that honestly blows me away, how and why can Christians continue to defiantly and blindly say that the text means something other than what it plainly says? Ultimately, the vision given to Peter was not a cancellation of God's instructions, but a powerful confirmation of His inclusive truth for all people

Good morning, brethren. 1. Morning devotion for today. MD.i. 😀💝🌺🎁🌹🎀 MORNING TEA THE WORD FOR TODAY MONDAY AUGUST 10, 2O26. "WORKING IN THE KINGDOM (1)" ‘…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Mark10:43 NIV DISNEYLAND IS referred to as ‘the Magic Kingdom.’ For those who work there, one value is emphasised above all others. It’s what puts the ‘magic’ into that kingdom. What is it? Servanthood! Employees are told that when you walk through those gates, you serve. You treat every encounter with people as if they were your personal guest. If they need directions, you escort them. If they ask a question you’ve heard a hundred times, you answer it as if you’d never heard it before. There’s a ride called the Jungle Cruise, and the most common question asked about it is, ‘How long is this ride?’ So the staff is given a prepared, standard answer: ‘The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.’ But one employee had been asked it once too often, so when a couple asked, ‘How long is the Jungle Cruise?’ he said, ‘Three days.’ The couple got out of the line, left the park, went back to Disney Hotel where they were on their honeymoon, packed up their suitcases, checked out, and came back to the line at the Jungle Cruise. The next day the Disneyland employee was gone, and someone else was standing at the line saying, ‘The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.’ When you represent God’s kingdom you’re supposed to go out of your way to facilitate people, love them and meet their needs. Why? Because Jesus, Who is the king in this kingdom, said, ‘…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…’ (Matthew 20:28 NIV). Bible In A Year: Judg 4-6, Matt 16:1-12, Ps 119:57-64, Pro 17:22. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation 💝🎀 *To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.*🎀💝🌹🌷. MD.ii. [09/08, 7:49 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DAILY Ⓜ️ANNA - (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS) MONDAY 10TH AUGUST, 2026``` *A PIVOTAL MOMENT* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🩸🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:ACTS 10:1-8```📜📜 🔑📖```KEY VERSE:``` _*"And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God" (ACTS 10:4).*_ *Jack Wugman was walking down the beach one day. He saw an unusual glass bottle. He bent over and picked up the bottle. His life would be forever changed. There was a note inside, from a man named Singer, who invented and perfected the sewing machine. Singer penned a note, WHOEVER FINDS THIS BOTTLE SHALL INHERIT MY WHOLE ESTATE. The judge validated the note, and Jack inherited millions of dollars from a man he had never met. What if Jack never picked up the bottle? It definitely was a pivotal moment in Wugman's life.* *Not everyone reading this today has a bottle floating out there with a million-dollar inheritance, no. But there are pivotal moments God has set for each of our lives. A life-changing moment that is not orchestrated by man, nor induced by any goodness or nobility any of us may have in our history. Cornelius was said to be a devout man who gave alms to support people. He was not an Israelite, but a Roman soldier, a gentile, outside of the commonwealth of Israel. Being a centurion means he was a leader over 100 men. An angel was sent to him by God to acknowledge his devoutness and alms giving. Knowing that that wasn't enough, he was directed to invite Apostle Peter to expound to him the gospel requirements for salvation more perfectly.* *The text highlights the significance of understanding Cornelius's character as the key to his esteemed relationship with God, which transcended his position as a centurion. Despite his military rank and prestige, Cornelius's true legacy lay in his love for the Lord and his generosity. His devout lifestyle inspired others, yet it was emphasised that neither good deeds nor religious piety can secure salvation; faith in the Gospel is essential. The angel's visit to Cornelius was not intended to preach the Gospel, as it is divinely decreed that those who have experienced salvation share the Gospel message, underscoring that salvation is a matter of grace through faith, not works.* *The main lesson here is the need to impact the world with our resources. We are remembered for what we do for others. God has left a far more valuable treasure for us than whatever was promised by Mr. Singer in our introduction. God wants to use us to tell other people about this treasure. We need to urgently preach Christ to our neighbours. He is the only way to eternal life.* ✍🏽```THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:``` _*He who shuns the offer of salvation makes vain the sacrifice of Christ.*_ 📜📜```THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:``` *JOB 5-8*📜📜 A Pivotal Moment https://dailymanna.app// *RECOMMENDED GOSPEL HYMNS AND SONGS - GHS 158: COME BELIEVING; GHS 106: TELL THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD; GHS 107: GO AND TELL THEM; AND GHS 124 CHRIST RECEIVETH SINFUL MEN* *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#DailyManna10thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [09/08, 7:49 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*HIGHER EVERYD🅰️Y: (A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS)*_ ✍🏽👩🏻‍💼🌻 🍇🙏🏽🛰🚀🔬📚 ```MONDAY 10TH AUGUST, 2026``` *ATTITUDE OF APPRECIATION* 🎚️📓📖🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 📜📜```TEXT:LUKE 17:11-19```📜📜 📖``` MEMORY VERSE:``` _*"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan" (LUKE 17:15-16).*_ *Just like the nine lepers who were cleansed and healed but never returned to show appreciation to Jesus who healed them, so do many find it highly unnecessary to testify of the goodness of God after receiving miracles from Him today. Appreciation is pivotal in our interpersonal relationship with fellow men, needless to talk about our relationship with God.* *Those who lack this virtue may not go far in their endeavours because appreciation attracts more blessings as we can find from our text that Jesus was pleased with the only person who came back to show gratitude when he was cleansed of his leprosy.* *John F. Kennedy said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." This means our gratitude to God for the good things He has done for us must not be a mere lip service but from the bottom of our hearts.* *Attitude of appreciation solidifies the miracles or breakthroughs we receive from the Lord. Endeavour to thank God at all times for His mercy.* 💬 ```QUOTE:``` _*Thank God at all times for mercy.*_ 🏆 ```CHALLENGE:``` _*Show appreciation for God is faithful.*_ 🙏🏽🙏🏽 ```PRAYER:``` _*Lord, help me to have an attitude of appreciation.*_ Attitude Of Appreciation https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#HigherEveryday10thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [09/08, 7:49 pm] Pastor Attah: ```DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY``` _*(SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide 2⃣0⃣2⃣6️⃣)*_ 🙇🏼🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼🙇‍♀️🙇🏼‍♂️ ```MONDAY 10TH AUGUST, 2026``` *GOD IS REAL* 📓📖🎚️🫵🏽🙋🏽‍♂️🙋🏽‍♀️🧎🏽🧎🏽‍♀️🙏🏽🙌🏽 📜📜```PSALM 14:1-7```📜📜 🕔📚🖋️🚻😁🎼🏆🍉🪴🌈💻 🔑📖 ```Key Verse:``` _*"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good" (Psalm 14:1).*_ 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 A man who was a Christian went to a barber's shop to have his hair cut. While the barber was cutting the hair, the Christian used the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus with the barber. The barber refused to listen through. Instead, he interrupted and told the Christian that there is no God. To him, if God exists, why are people in pain, sickness and poverty. The Christian, who was not ready to engage in any argument, quietly left the barber's shop after the haircut. As he was going, he saw a man with an unkept and untidy hair. He therefore turned back to the barber's shop and said to him, *"You know what? Barbers do not exist." "How can you say that"* protested the barber. *"I am here and I am a barber; what happens is that people do not come."* *"Exactly,"* said the Christian. *"God does exist, but man do not go to Him and do not look up to Him for the solution to their problems. They rather engage in murmuring, complaining and words of unbelief."* *God is real, and He is everywhere. You only need to exercise faith in Him in order to enjoy all the blessings He has prepared for you.* 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 ```🅿️rayer:``` _*Lord, help me to always look up unto you and never doubt.*_ 🙏🏽 ```📖 Further Reading:``` *Psalm 10:4* God Is Real https://dailymanna.app// *TXD [THEXDEVOTIONALS] on Twitter* *#SincereMilk10thAugust2026* *#GCK* *#WorshipNuggets* *#BibleNuggets* *#LeadershipNuggets* *#RevivalNuggets* *#CrusadeNuggets* https://www.youtube.com/[THEXDEVOTIONALS] [09/08, 7:49 pm] Pastor Attah: *MEDITATIONS ON DAILY ⓂANNA* MONDAY, 10TH AUGUST, 2026. *THE UNSTOPPABLE GOSPEL* *TEXT:* ACTS 10:1-8. 1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa *Timeless Truth:*_"But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God"_ (Acts 5:39). *INTRODUCTION* There is no way of worshipping God that has faced so much oppositions from both powers and peoples as the gospel of Jesus Christ. If human powers and wisdom could destroy Christianity and the Bible, they would have been destroyed not long after it was birthed at pentecost. The Jewish leaders did all they could to stop the Gospel, but it was birthed by pentecostal power and became dominant among the Jews. The external powers could not stop the spread. Apostle Peter, by the Holy Spirit, opened the door for the evangelization of the Jews at Pentecost in fulfilment of Matthew 16:19 despite the stiff oppositions by the Jews. *"And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom..."* Though Jesus Christ commanded that the Gospel should be preached *"to the uppermost part of the world"*, the mindset of the Apostles was to preach the gospel to the Jews exclusively in *"the uppermost part of the world"*. Jesus had to break this mindset by using Apostle Peter to bring the gospel of salvation to the non-Jews or Gentiles, thus, breaking the internal barrier to the salvation of the Gentiles. This monumental breakthrough in the preaching of the Gospel is the subject of the text. When God determines to save a soul, no barrier of race, culture, distance, status or tradition can ultimately stop Him. The Gospel advances because God Himself is committed to its fulfilment. *1. Ardent and Faithful to God* a. Cornelius was not the first Gentile convert of the Gospel. Phillip, seven years before then, had preached the gospel that led to the conversion of the Eunuch of Ethiopia (Acts 8). That was made possible through the ministry of an angel. Were it left to Phillip to decide and preach to the Gentile Eunuch, he might have refused. Cornelius and his family were the first Gentile family or household to receive the Gospel and and got converted. Under the Law, we could claim that he was saved and righteous, though a Gentile. *“A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house.”* His deep devotion was backed up by works. *"Who gave much alms to the people and prayed always"*. Under salvation by works, he was a candidate for heaven. However, under the gospel of salvation by grace, he was not qualified for heaven. He needed to know Jesus Christ, the only way to God, and believe the Gospel. *"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12). If Cornelius had rejected the gospel, but relied only on his righteousness, he would have been damned. *"He that believeth not shall be dammed"*. b. The case of Cornelius reinforces the fact that good works and personal righteousness are not enough for salvation. In fact, faithful devotion to God in prayers, fasting and good works are too impotent to bring real salvation to the heart of man. There must be faith in the atoning work of Christ on the Cross and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Outside Christ, *"all our righteousness is as filthy rags"* (Isaiah 64:6). *Question* Do you rely on your good works and self righteousness for salvation? *2. Angelic Facilitators of the Gospel* a. When Phillip, the evangelist, first got a gentile converted, it took the ministry of an angel. The same to Apostle Peter and the conversion of the Cornelius and his family. The conversion of Cornelius was more celebrated and noticed by the Early Church because, unlike the Eunuch of Ethiopia, Cornelius was not only saved, his whole family was included and they also received the baptism with the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in unlearned and unknown language. None of these two ministers would have reached out to those Gentiles without the ministry of the angels because of their biases against Gentiles when it came to salvation of souls. Cornelius *"saw in a vision evidently...an angel of God coming"*. The angel called him by name and assured him that his prayers and charitable deeds had come before God as a memorial. Sinners who are sincere with God will always be given the opportunity to know the truth unto salvation. This throws a challenge to Christians to be sensitive to God as to who and when to reach out to a soul. This divine visitation demonstrates that heaven was actively working to bring Cornelius into contact with the Gospel. God was more eager to get him saved than anybody else including Apostle Peter. He is *"not willing that any should perish"*. b. God can employ extraordinary means to advance His saving purpose. Angels may facilitate God's work, but they do not replace the preaching of the Gospel. The angel did not preach Christ to Cornelius; instead, he directed Cornelius to send for Apostle Peter. God uses heavenly and earthly instruments together to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The divine-human partnertship are needed to effect the work of God and in particular the preaching of the gospel. Believers therefore, must be prayerful and sensitive to divine guidance in order to be fruitful. The less we rely on the arms of the flesh and the more we put our full confidence and trust in the guidance of the power of the Holy Spirit, the more fruitful we will be in the work of soulwinning. *Question* Am I available for God to use me as an instrument through whom someone else may hear and receive the Gospel? Do I wait on God to receive divine guidance in soulwinning? *3. Assignment Towards Gospel Fullness* Cornelius' salvation is rooted in his obedience to the voice of God and not the voice of any other. He was not only saved, but was baptized with the Holy Spirit. It must be observed that apart from the fact that Phillip did not publish the conversion of the Eunuch, he did not minister the baptism with the Holy Ghost to him. Cornelius and his household were baptized with the Holy Spirit while Apostle Peter was still preaching.There was an uproar and noise that the Gentiles could get the same experience of power of the Holy Spirit. The world cannot receive the Holy Spirit and the devils hate the power of the Holy Spirit too for obvious reasons. Salvation in Christ Jesus is a complete salvation. However, salvation without the power of the Holy Spirit is insufficient for a believer to do great exploits for God and be a terror to the kingdom of darkness. The Holy Spirit is given to them that obey Him. *"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him"* (Acts 5:32). Cornelius did not delay, debate or disregard the divine instruction. His obedience became an important link in God's plan to bring the fullness of the Gospel to his household. This reminds us that divine instructions demand human cooperation. God may open doors, prepare hearts and arrange circumstances, but believers must respond obediently. *Question* What Gospel assignment has God placed before me and am I faithfully obeying Him without delay like Cornelius and Apostle Peter did? *Prayer Points* 1.Lord, teach me more never to rely on my personal goodness and righteousness for divine favour and salvation 🙏. 2.Father, make me a willing instrument through whom You can facilitate the spread of the Gospel to others. Help me to be sensitive to divine guidance 🙏. 3.Lord, I ask for more power of the Holy Spirit for more fruitfulness in the preaching of the gospel 🙏. 4.Father, give understanding to the church goers (you can mention names) who are not yet saved because they are trusting their self righteousness and good works and help them to get real and genuine salvation in Christ🙏. *HYMN:* GO AND TELL THE STORY *BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:* JOB 5-8. 2. Morning Prayer gor today. MP.i. Morning Prayer Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ⏤ 1 John 3:1 We are all missionaries. Wherever we go we either bring people nearer to Christ or we repel them from Christ. ⏤ Eric Liddell O God, we are grateful that we are Your children. We are not just Your creations. You made the stars, the birds, and the flowers, but unlike them, You made us in Your own image and gave us immortal souls. We thank You for the special place we hold in creation. Help us to live up to the dignity of being Your children and to live as Your children should. You created us with a purpose. You have a plan for each of our lives—something You intend for us to be and to do. We want to fulfill Your purpose for us. Help us to accept Your will and to do what You would have us do. As we go out into the world this morning, guide us in the path You have set for us. We want to serve our generation. Show us what You would have us do and enable us to do it. Fill our hearts with Your love so that we may see the world as You see it. May we look upon others with Your compassion, patience, and a desire to help. Though our efforts may seem small in this vast world, help us to trust that no true work done for You is ever in vain. Help us to make our little corner of the world holier, brighter, sweeter, and happier. Help us to live out Your life in the place You have assigned us, serving those around us. In this way, we shall be a blessing to our small part of the world. Give us a day filled with Your love and grace, our Father. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/36/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐂: 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 BIBLICAL TEXT: Genesis 8:20-21 (KJV) After the flood, Noah did not begin by building a house for himself. His first priority was to build an altar unto the Lord. He understood that gratitude, worship, and sacrifice should come before personal comfort. His sacrifice rose before God as a sweet savour, and it marked the beginning of a new season for humanity. "And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord... and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a sweet savour." (Genesis 8:20-21 KJV) God never overlooks a genuine sacrifice offered in faith, love, and obedience. While we are saved by grace through faith and not by sacrifices, the Bible repeatedly shows that God notices wholehearted acts of worship, generosity, and devotion. Every sacrifice made according to His will is precious before Him. 𝘼) 𝙉𝙊𝘼𝙃'𝙎 𝙎𝘼𝘾𝙍𝙄𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙀 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘿𝙄𝙑𝙄𝙉𝙀 𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙈𝘽𝙍𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙁𝙊𝙇𝙇𝙊𝙒𝙀𝘿 Noah's sacrifice came after a season of suffering, waiting, and obedience. Before asking God for anything, he chose to honour Him. As Noah's offering ascended before God, the Lord declared that He would no longer curse the ground because of man as He had done before. "And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake." (Genesis 8:21 KJV) Your sincere worship, thanksgiving, obedience, and generosity are never wasted. God sees every act of faithfulness, even when no one else notices. 𝘽) 𝙎𝘼𝘾𝙍𝙄𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙀 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝘽𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎 𝘼𝙉 𝙀𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙊 𝘿𝙄𝙑𝙄𝙉𝙀 𝙅𝙐𝘿𝙂𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 Noah's sacrifice marked the end of judgment and the beginning of mercy. The flood was over, and a new covenant of hope was established. God delights in showing mercy. Through Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice has provided forgiveness and reconciliation for all who believe in Him. There are also practical sacrifices that honour God today, including prayer, praise, thanksgiving, generosity, serving His kingdom, supporting His work, and living in obedience. "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually." (Hebrews 13:15 KJV) Whenever we draw near to God with sincere hearts, we position ourselves to experience His mercy and grace. 𝘾) 𝙃𝙊𝙒 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝘼𝙇𝙏𝘼𝙍 𝘾𝘼𝙉 𝘽𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝘼 𝙏𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙊𝙉𝙔 𝘽𝙀𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙀 𝙂𝙊𝘿 An altar is more than a place of prayer. It is a place of surrender, worship, thanksgiving, and communion with God. As you consistently maintain your altar through prayer, the study of God's Word, praise, holy living, and faithful giving, your life becomes a testimony of God's faithfulness. Cornelius was another example of a man whose prayers and generous giving were remembered before God. "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." (Acts 10:4 KJV) God is not unjust to forget your labour of love. He remembers every sincere act done for His glory. 𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙀 𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙇𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 Many believers have experienced seasons when they felt unnoticed despite their faithfulness. Yet God's timing is always perfect. Noah waited patiently, remained obedient, and honoured God first when his season changed. Continue serving God faithfully. Continue praying, praising, giving, and living a life that pleases Him. Your labour in the Lord is never in vain, and in His appointed time, He will reward faithfulness according to His perfect wisdom. 𝑷𝑹𝑨𝒀𝑬𝑹 𝑷𝑶𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑺 1. O Lord, remember my labour of love and let my sacrifice speak before You, in the name of Jesus Christ. 2. Father, let every season of delay and hardship come to an end by Your mercy, in the name of Jesus Christ. 3. O Lord, make my life a living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable before You, in the name of Jesus Christ. 4. Father, let my prayers, praise, and faithful service rise before You as a sweet savour, in the name of Jesus Christ. 5. Every blessing delayed in my life, receive divine remembrance today, in the name of Jesus Christ. 6. O Lord, establish a new season of favour, restoration, and testimony in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. 7. Father, let my altar continually bring glory to Your name and become a testimony of Your faithfulness, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. If this message has blessed you, kindly like, comment, share, and follow for more life transforming messages on prayer, deliverance, and Christian living. #ChristianLiving #PrayerAltar #FaithInGod #SpiritualGrowth SHALOM ✋

Making The Grade Text: Hebrews 11:1-2 If YHWH were to grade you today, how would you do? Illustration. Receiving a report card and progress report. Good or Bad I. Faith – Example – Stephen – Acts 6:8 “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” A. Required Subject 1. Salvation 2. Spiritual Growth 3. Success B. Moves Mountains 1. Mark 11:22-25 “And Messiah answering saith unto them, Have faith in YHWH. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” C. Very Important to YHWH II. Devotion To YHWH – Example – Ananias – Acts 22:12-13 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.” A. Service – Time & Duty B. Sacrifice - Tithe C. Loyal D. Dedicated E. Committed The motto of every believer, whether preacher, member, or Sunday School Teacher, ought to be "Devoted for life." III. Righteousness – Example – Cornelius the centurion - Acts 10:22 “And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth YHWH, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from YHWH by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. “ A. Just Men and Women B. Moral C. YHWH Fearing IV. Believer’s Report Card A. Graded By Messiah B. Taught By The Holy Spirit C. Accepted By The Father V. How To Improve Your Grades A. Study YHWH’s Word B. Go To Church C. Pray More D. Practice What Is Preached Conclusion: What does your Spiritual Report Card look like? Would it say Needs Improvement!

Acts 10: "1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 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. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐔𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝? The One Verse People Twist to Add Works to Salvation ______________ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦? Before we examine whether baptism is required for salvation, we must first understand what baptism is according to the Bible. The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word "baptizō," which means to immerse, dip, or submerge. In the New Testament, baptism is the act of a believer being fully immersed in water as a public identification with Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection. 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟔:𝟒 (KJV): "𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘣𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩: 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦." Baptism is not a ritual that imparts grace or washes away sin. It is a symbolic act of obedience performed by those who have already repented and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. The biblical pattern is clear: 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟖:𝟑𝟔–𝟑𝟖 (KJV): "𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳: 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘚𝘦𝘦, 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳; 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘴𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭: 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘤𝘩; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮." Every baptism in Scripture follows personal faith. It is the believer's first step of obedience—a public testimony of a salvation already received. ______________ Today, many sincere Christians have been taught that baptism is necessary for salvation. But when we let Scripture speak for itself, a different picture emerges. Let's examine one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟏𝟔:𝟏𝟔 (KJV): "𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥; 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘥." Now read that verse again slowly. And pay attention to the details. 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬: 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝟏: Those who believe and are baptized → saved 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝟐: Those who believe not → damned What is the deciding factor? Look at the second half. It does not say: "𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘥." It says: "𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘥." Condemnation rests on unbelief—not on a lack of baptism. ______________ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧? Baptism is the fruit of salvation, not the root. Every example in the book of Acts confirms this: —The Ethiopian eunuch first confessed Christ, then was baptized (𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟖:𝟑𝟔–𝟑𝟖). —The crowd at Pentecost believed Peter's preaching and then were baptized (𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟐:𝟒𝟏). —Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit before baptism (𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟏𝟎:𝟒𝟒–𝟒𝟖). Baptism always follows faith. It is the obedient step of a believer—a public declaration of what has already taken place in the heart. The moment you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, only you and God knew it privately. The moment you were baptized, it became a public confession of faith. Baptism is not the means of obtaining salvation, but the joyful testimony of having received it. ______________ What the Rest of Scripture Says The Bible is crystal clear: 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟑:𝟑𝟔 (KJV): "𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦." 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟑:𝟏𝟔 (KJV): "𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦." 𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟐:𝟖–𝟗 (KJV): "𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴: 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥: 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴, 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵." If baptism were required for salvation, the Lord Jesus would have said, "𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘥." But He did not say that. He placed the entire weight of condemnation on unbelief alone. ______________ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. Baptism is the joyful obedience of one who is already saved. It is the outward sign of the inward reality—not the means of obtaining it. If you have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ—that He died for your sins and rose again—you are saved right now by His grace. Baptism is your next step of obedience, not your final step for salvation. ______________ 𝐀 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮 Have you ever heard someone teach that baptism saves you? How does this passage change your understanding? I'd love to hear your thoughts below. But more than that: If you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, do not wait. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today, and you shall be saved (𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝟏𝟔:𝟑𝟏). Then, as a believer, follow Him in baptism—not to be saved, but because you already are. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐭. Let's help others rest in the finished work of Christ, not in human works.

Our BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWER for today is............... 🥁 🥁 🥁 🥁 ❓According to Acts 10:4, what accompanied Cornelius’ prayers as a memorial before God? ➡️ The Answer: B. Alms #LordsbookDailys #DailyBibleTrivia #BibleQuiz #BibleTriviaAnswer