• The Remnant Bible Academy
    Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word.
    100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost.
    Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life.
    Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
    Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge.
    A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community.
    Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity.
    https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 20 Vue
  • The Remnant Bible Academy
    Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word.
    100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost.
    Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life.
    Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
    Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge.
    A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community.
    Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity.
    https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 17 Vue
  • The Unstoppable Hour.. Why Our Fight is Not with This World

    There is a palpable anxiety in the air. We see it in the news, on social media, and in the hushed conversations at our kitchen tables. People are scrambling. They are organizing, petitioning, and protesting. They are trying to stop the political shift, the moral decline, and the geopolitical chaos. They are fighting against the current of the world, attempting to "save" a system that was always destined to collapse. But as believers, we must stop and take a sobering look at the reality of our calling. We are not here to stop the inevitable. We are here to walk through it.

    The Apostle Paul made it crystal clear in Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness." When we see the governments of the world aligning, when we see corruption at every level, and when we see nations turning away from the truth, we are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy, not the failure of humanity. The Bible predicted a time of great corruption (2 Timothy 3:1-5). It predicted that evil would be called good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).

    The tragedy of our time is not that the world is becoming corrupt; the tragedy is that the Church is wasting its energy trying to fix a world that is already under judgment. Those who are the most "active" in trying to save the culture are often the ones inadvertently bringing these things to pass, because they are fighting in the flesh, trying to build a Kingdom on Earth that was never meant to exist here permanently. To understand our role, we must look back at the history of our faith. The Scriptures are full of people who tried to "help" God fulfill His promises, and the results were devastating.

    Consider Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham a son. But when the years dragged on, Sarah decided to "help" God by giving her servant Hagar to Abraham. The result? Ishmael was born. This decision did not bring the promise sooner; it brought discord, bitterness, and a conflict that has spanned millennia, a conflict we still see in the Middle East today. God did not need Abraham's "help" in the physical realm to bring about the spiritual miracle. He needed Abraham's faith and waiting.

    Consider Moses. When Moses saw the oppression of his people, he acted in his own strength. He killed an Egyptian taskmaster, thinking he was delivering his people. Instead, he became a fugitive and delayed God's plan by forty years. Moses had to unlearn his own strength in the desert before God could use him to free Israel. In these times, it will be no different. We are prone to run ahead of God, to create political kingdoms, to try to legislate morality into the hearts of the unregenerate. We call it "saving the nation," but God calls it "strange fire", our own effort offered on His altar, a sacrifice He never asked for.

    If we are not to fight the political tide, what are we to do? Good question. We are to be Witnesses. Jesus didn't tell us to take over the world; He told us to preach the Gospel to every creature. He said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). We are ambassadors of a Kingdom not of this world. We are to be Lighthouses. In a time of corruption, we are called to be blameless and pure, shining as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15). Our focus is not on changing the behavior of the world, but on offering the soul of the world a way out.

    We are to Pray. Instead of protesting the darkness, we should be praying for the souls of those in power, while trusting that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations. The spiritual battle is won on our knees, not on the streets. Look at the world today. Technology is advancing at a rate that allows for the global control and surveillance spoken of in Revelation. Nations are aligning in ways eerily reminiscent of the prophecies of Ezekiel and Daniel. The push for a one-world order, the moral relativism, and the hostility toward absolute truth are all box-checking the signs of the times.

    When we try to stop this, we are fighting God's timeline. We are acting like children trying to stop the rain by screaming at the clouds. The rain is coming. The question is: have you built your house on the Rock? The times are serious. The world is racing toward a conclusion that has been written since the foundation of the earth. We must stop panicking over the headlines and start preparing our hearts. We are not called to be reformers of a dying world; we are called to be rescuers of dying souls. Don't waste your energy trying to stop the ship from sinking. Use your energy to get people into the lifeboats. The hull is breached. The prophecies must be fulfilled. But you, you have a job to do.

    Do not be deceived by the illusion that you can fight the spiritual battle with physical weapons. The only thing that will save a soul is the Gospel. The only way to stand in the coming storm is to be rooted in the Word. Stop trying to save the world. Start trying to save the lost. The hour is late. The time is now. Choose your side and dig in.
    Alonso Buford.
    The Unstoppable Hour.. Why Our Fight is Not with This World There is a palpable anxiety in the air. We see it in the news, on social media, and in the hushed conversations at our kitchen tables. People are scrambling. They are organizing, petitioning, and protesting. They are trying to stop the political shift, the moral decline, and the geopolitical chaos. They are fighting against the current of the world, attempting to "save" a system that was always destined to collapse. But as believers, we must stop and take a sobering look at the reality of our calling. We are not here to stop the inevitable. We are here to walk through it. The Apostle Paul made it crystal clear in Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness." When we see the governments of the world aligning, when we see corruption at every level, and when we see nations turning away from the truth, we are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy, not the failure of humanity. The Bible predicted a time of great corruption (2 Timothy 3:1-5). It predicted that evil would be called good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). The tragedy of our time is not that the world is becoming corrupt; the tragedy is that the Church is wasting its energy trying to fix a world that is already under judgment. Those who are the most "active" in trying to save the culture are often the ones inadvertently bringing these things to pass, because they are fighting in the flesh, trying to build a Kingdom on Earth that was never meant to exist here permanently. To understand our role, we must look back at the history of our faith. The Scriptures are full of people who tried to "help" God fulfill His promises, and the results were devastating. Consider Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham a son. But when the years dragged on, Sarah decided to "help" God by giving her servant Hagar to Abraham. The result? Ishmael was born. This decision did not bring the promise sooner; it brought discord, bitterness, and a conflict that has spanned millennia, a conflict we still see in the Middle East today. God did not need Abraham's "help" in the physical realm to bring about the spiritual miracle. He needed Abraham's faith and waiting. Consider Moses. When Moses saw the oppression of his people, he acted in his own strength. He killed an Egyptian taskmaster, thinking he was delivering his people. Instead, he became a fugitive and delayed God's plan by forty years. Moses had to unlearn his own strength in the desert before God could use him to free Israel. In these times, it will be no different. We are prone to run ahead of God, to create political kingdoms, to try to legislate morality into the hearts of the unregenerate. We call it "saving the nation," but God calls it "strange fire", our own effort offered on His altar, a sacrifice He never asked for. If we are not to fight the political tide, what are we to do? Good question. We are to be Witnesses. Jesus didn't tell us to take over the world; He told us to preach the Gospel to every creature. He said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). We are ambassadors of a Kingdom not of this world. We are to be Lighthouses. In a time of corruption, we are called to be blameless and pure, shining as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15). Our focus is not on changing the behavior of the world, but on offering the soul of the world a way out. We are to Pray. Instead of protesting the darkness, we should be praying for the souls of those in power, while trusting that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations. The spiritual battle is won on our knees, not on the streets. Look at the world today. Technology is advancing at a rate that allows for the global control and surveillance spoken of in Revelation. Nations are aligning in ways eerily reminiscent of the prophecies of Ezekiel and Daniel. The push for a one-world order, the moral relativism, and the hostility toward absolute truth are all box-checking the signs of the times. When we try to stop this, we are fighting God's timeline. We are acting like children trying to stop the rain by screaming at the clouds. The rain is coming. The question is: have you built your house on the Rock? The times are serious. The world is racing toward a conclusion that has been written since the foundation of the earth. We must stop panicking over the headlines and start preparing our hearts. We are not called to be reformers of a dying world; we are called to be rescuers of dying souls. Don't waste your energy trying to stop the ship from sinking. Use your energy to get people into the lifeboats. The hull is breached. The prophecies must be fulfilled. But you, you have a job to do. Do not be deceived by the illusion that you can fight the spiritual battle with physical weapons. The only thing that will save a soul is the Gospel. The only way to stand in the coming storm is to be rooted in the Word. Stop trying to save the world. Start trying to save the lost. The hour is late. The time is now. Choose your side and dig in. Alonso Buford.
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 21 Vue
  • Guidelines for living.
    August 18th, 2026

    3 Steps to Finding a New Direction.

    This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” But you said, “We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16



    Jeremiah the prophet was a man who needs to be rediscovered today. The circumstances surrounding his life and world have so many parallels to life today. How so? Well, for one thing, instability had gripped the world. Jeremiah’s beloved nation was about to be chewed up by the powerful tiger of Babylon. Social structures were failing too. Families were being torn apart; truth and morality had been sacrificed in the process. The priesthood had become politicized. No wonder Jeremiah seemed out of sync with his day—an old prophet who castigated the moral and spiritual decline. No wonder he was publicly scorned and privately castigated.

    There is a text in the book which bears his name which needs to be emblazoned on the conscience of every parent: God expects more, something more of His children, than that which satisfies the world.

    God spoke to Jeremiah, here’s what He said, “Stand at the crossroads and look; [and] ask for the old paths, [and] ask where the good way is, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). There were three parts to that advice: First, go back to the crossroads, back to the place where you took the wrong path, and look. God is saying, “Hey, you’ve been down the wrong road. You’ve learned that it didn’t bring you the peace or contentment. Now stand there—mentally speaking—take a look down the narrow road, the one that seemed to be less exciting, and realize it was here you went wrong.

    Let’s stop for a moment. Is it ever too late to acknowledge that you went wrong? You may think so, but in reality, it is not. A thief on the cross, seeing his life ebb away minute by minute, came to that place; he cried out, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He went back to the crossroads and took the right path. Before you go back to the crossroads—that fork in the road where you went wrong—you must stop what you’re doing and mentally look back. Often, we think, “It’s too late for me.” Not so, friend. Coming to the end of the year is a time for reflection and to go back if you missed the right path.

    Step number two in this process is this: “Ask for the old paths where the good way is.” In reality, prayer is asking. It is saying, “God, I went wrong. You know that, and now I admit it. I don’t want the future to be a rerun of the mistakes of the past. Forgive me, show me the right way to go.” Israel had missed God, and in spite of their waywardness, God promised to help them if they would only come back to Him. He said, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). God will do the same for you as well.

    Step number three in this process of finding the right direction is this: When you have found the good way, “walk in it.” This is a matter of simple obedience, of putting your feet in a straight line in the direction you know God wants you to go. And with that simple step of obedience comes a great promise. God said, “you will find rest for your soul.”

    God did not force them, He invited them. Sadly, Israel rejected God’s invitation. Don’t do it, friend. Going back to the fork in the road requires courage and humility.



    Resource Reading: Jeremiah 6:1-30
    Guidelines for living. August 18th, 2026 3 Steps to Finding a New Direction. This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” But you said, “We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16 Jeremiah the prophet was a man who needs to be rediscovered today. The circumstances surrounding his life and world have so many parallels to life today. How so? Well, for one thing, instability had gripped the world. Jeremiah’s beloved nation was about to be chewed up by the powerful tiger of Babylon. Social structures were failing too. Families were being torn apart; truth and morality had been sacrificed in the process. The priesthood had become politicized. No wonder Jeremiah seemed out of sync with his day—an old prophet who castigated the moral and spiritual decline. No wonder he was publicly scorned and privately castigated. There is a text in the book which bears his name which needs to be emblazoned on the conscience of every parent: God expects more, something more of His children, than that which satisfies the world. God spoke to Jeremiah, here’s what He said, “Stand at the crossroads and look; [and] ask for the old paths, [and] ask where the good way is, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). There were three parts to that advice: First, go back to the crossroads, back to the place where you took the wrong path, and look. God is saying, “Hey, you’ve been down the wrong road. You’ve learned that it didn’t bring you the peace or contentment. Now stand there—mentally speaking—take a look down the narrow road, the one that seemed to be less exciting, and realize it was here you went wrong. Let’s stop for a moment. Is it ever too late to acknowledge that you went wrong? You may think so, but in reality, it is not. A thief on the cross, seeing his life ebb away minute by minute, came to that place; he cried out, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He went back to the crossroads and took the right path. Before you go back to the crossroads—that fork in the road where you went wrong—you must stop what you’re doing and mentally look back. Often, we think, “It’s too late for me.” Not so, friend. Coming to the end of the year is a time for reflection and to go back if you missed the right path. Step number two in this process is this: “Ask for the old paths where the good way is.” In reality, prayer is asking. It is saying, “God, I went wrong. You know that, and now I admit it. I don’t want the future to be a rerun of the mistakes of the past. Forgive me, show me the right way to go.” Israel had missed God, and in spite of their waywardness, God promised to help them if they would only come back to Him. He said, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). God will do the same for you as well. Step number three in this process of finding the right direction is this: When you have found the good way, “walk in it.” This is a matter of simple obedience, of putting your feet in a straight line in the direction you know God wants you to go. And with that simple step of obedience comes a great promise. God said, “you will find rest for your soul.” God did not force them, He invited them. Sadly, Israel rejected God’s invitation. Don’t do it, friend. Going back to the fork in the road requires courage and humility. Resource Reading: Jeremiah 6:1-30
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 28 Vue
  • THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD

    By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah

    Introduction

    We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society.

    Yet, the Christian is called to live differently.

    Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV).

    The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone.

    A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them.

    1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS

    One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity.

    The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society.

    1 Peter 2:9 says:

    «“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”»

    You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession.

    When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable.

    Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you.

    You belong to Christ.

    2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD

    A changing world needs an unchanging standard.

    Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

    God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging.

    The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world.

    We must therefore become students of the Word.

    Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said.

    People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change.

    But the Word of our God stands forever.

    3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM

    Romans 12:2 says:

    «“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”»

    There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world.

    Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it.

    This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society.

    We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions.

    You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt.

    You can live among people who compromise without compromising.

    You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light.

    4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

    A challenging world requires spiritual strength.

    Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

    Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience.

    There are battles that human strength cannot win.

    Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience.

    A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise.

    Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father.

    We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him.

    5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH

    Challenges are part of the journey.

    James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity.

    This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us.

    Sometimes God changes the situation.

    Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it.

    Sometimes He uses the situation to change us.

    Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith.

    Your trial is not the end of your story.

    The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you.

    David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence.

    Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him.

    The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone.

    God remains faithful in the fire.

    6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART

    Proverbs 4:23 says:

    «“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”»

    The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism.

    If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us.

    That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate.

    Not everything that is popular is profitable.

    Not everything that is trending is godly.

    Not every opportunity is an assignment from God.

    A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary.

    7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD

    Jesus said in Matthew 5:14:

    “You are the light of the world.”

    Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.”

    He said, “You are the light.”

    Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines.

    The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ.

    Your workplace should experience your integrity.

    Your family should experience your love.

    Your community should experience your kindness.

    Your generation should see Christ through your character.

    We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives.

    8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD

    A challenging world is also a hurting world.

    People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion.

    The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love.

    Jesus said in John 13:35:

    “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

    Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities.

    We must love.

    We must forgive.

    We must encourage.

    We must help.

    We must show compassion.

    Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting.

    9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY

    One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things.

    Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal.

    This world is not our final destination.

    Our possessions are temporary.

    Our positions are temporary.

    Our earthly achievements are temporary.

    But eternity is forever.

    Therefore, we must live with eternity in view.

    Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul.

    Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure.

    Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause.

    10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP

    Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit.

    Galatians 6:9 says:

    «“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”»

    There may be moments when you feel tired.

    There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered.

    There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle.

    But keep going.

    Keep praying.

    Keep believing.

    Keep serving.

    Keep loving.

    Keep trusting God.

    Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life.

    CONCLUSION

    The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God.

    We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him.

    We are called to stand when others fall.

    To shine when others walk in darkness.

    To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular.

    To demonstrate love when hatred increases.

    To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult.

    And to remain faithful until the end.

    Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16:

    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

    Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful.

    The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed.

    The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient.

    The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine.

    Therefore, stand firm.

    Stay prayerful.

    Stay in the Word.

    Stay holy.

    Stay humble.

    Stay faithful.

    And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus.

    PRAYER

    Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.

    — Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah
    #LifeofaChristian
    #PJCares
    THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IN A CHALLENGING WORLD By Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah Introduction We are living in a world that is changing rapidly. Values are shifting, truth is being questioned, morality is being redefined, and many people are under pressure to compromise their convictions just to fit into society. Yet, the Christian is called to live differently. Jesus never promised His followers a life without challenges. In fact, He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJV). The Christian life is not a promise of the absence of trouble; it is a promise of God's presence in the midst of trouble. We may walk through difficult seasons, but we do not walk through them alone. A challenging world requires Christians who know their God, understand their identity, stand firmly on God's Word, and refuse to allow the darkness around them to extinguish the light within them. 1. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KNOW WHO HE IS One of the greatest dangers in a challenging world is losing your identity. The world constantly tells us who we should become, what we should value, what success should look like, and what standards we should follow. But the believer must derive his identity from God, not from society. 1 Peter 2:9 says: «“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”» You are not merely a product of your environment. You are God's possession. When you know who you are in Christ, you will not need the approval of everyone around you to feel valuable. Your identity is not determined by your failures, your past, your social status, your possessions, or people's opinions about you. You belong to Christ. 2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST STAND ON GOD'S WORD A changing world needs an unchanging standard. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's Word gives us direction when culture becomes confusing. It gives us conviction when compromise becomes attractive. It gives us hope when circumstances become discouraging. The Christian who neglects Scripture will eventually become vulnerable to the philosophies of the world. We must therefore become students of the Word. Do not build your life solely on what people say. Build it on what God has said. People can change. Circumstances can change. Governments can change. Economies can change. Relationships can change. But the Word of our God stands forever. 3. THE CHRISTIAN MUST REFUSE TO CONFORM Romans 12:2 says: «“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”» There is a difference between living in the world and becoming like the world. Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:15-16. He did not ask the Father to remove them from the world but to preserve them while they remained in it. This means Christianity is not an escape from society. It is a divine assignment within society. We are called to influence the world without allowing the world to influence our convictions. You can work in a corrupt environment without becoming corrupt. You can live among people who compromise without compromising. You can be surrounded by darkness and still carry light. 4. THE CHRISTIAN MUST DEVELOP SPIRITUAL STRENGTH A challenging world requires spiritual strength. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Our strength does not come merely from personality, education, wealth, connections, or experience. There are battles that human strength cannot win. Therefore, we must strengthen our relationship with God through prayer, worship, fasting, the study of Scripture, fellowship, and obedience. A weak spiritual life makes a believer vulnerable to temptation, fear, discouragement, bitterness, and compromise. Prayer is not simply an emergency telephone call to God. Prayer is fellowship with our Father. We must learn to seek God not only when we need something from Him but because we desire Him. 5. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO FACE TRIALS WITH FAITH Challenges are part of the journey. James 1:2-4 teaches believers to count it joy when they face various trials because testing produces patience and spiritual maturity. This does not mean that pain is pleasant. It means that God can use difficult seasons to produce something valuable in us. Sometimes God changes the situation. Sometimes He gives us grace to endure it. Sometimes He uses the situation to change us. Whatever the case may be, we must refuse to allow adversity to destroy our faith. Your trial is not the end of your story. The fact that you are going through something does not mean that God has abandoned you. David passed through valleys and still testified of God's presence. Daniel faced the lions and discovered that God was with him. The three Hebrew young men entered the fiery furnace, but they were not alone. God remains faithful in the fire. 6. THE CHRISTIAN MUST GUARD HIS HEART Proverbs 4:23 says: «“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”» The world constantly feeds our hearts with fear, hatred, lust, greed, envy, anger, and materialism. If we are not careful, what surrounds us will eventually influence what is within us. That is why believers must guard what they watch, what they listen to, what they celebrate, what they meditate upon, and the relationships they cultivate. Not everything that is popular is profitable. Not everything that is trending is godly. Not every opportunity is an assignment from God. A Christian must learn to say NO when necessary. 7. THE CHRISTIAN MUST BE LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD Jesus said in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” Notice that Jesus did not say, “You will become light someday.” He said, “You are the light.” Light has no argument with darkness. It simply shines. The world does not necessarily need Christians who shout the loudest; it needs Christians whose lives demonstrate the reality of Christ. Your workplace should experience your integrity. Your family should experience your love. Your community should experience your kindness. Your generation should see Christ through your character. We preach with our mouths, but we also preach through our lives. 8. THE CHRISTIAN MUST LOVE PEOPLE IN A HURTING WORLD A challenging world is also a hurting world. People are carrying wounds that we cannot see. Some are fighting silent battles. Some have lost hope. Some have been disappointed by life, relationships, institutions, and even religion. The Christian must therefore become an instrument of God's love. Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Our Christianity must not become merely a collection of religious activities. We must love. We must forgive. We must encourage. We must help. We must show compassion. Sometimes the greatest sermon you will preach is the kindness you show to someone who is hurting. 9. THE CHRISTIAN MUST KEEP HIS EYES ON ETERNITY One of the reasons believers compromise is that they become too attached to temporary things. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus not merely on the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal. This world is not our final destination. Our possessions are temporary. Our positions are temporary. Our earthly achievements are temporary. But eternity is forever. Therefore, we must live with eternity in view. Do not gain the whole world and lose your soul. Do not sacrifice your relationship with God for temporary pleasure. Do not exchange eternal treasures for temporary applause. 10. THE CHRISTIAN MUST NEVER GIVE UP Perhaps the greatest testimony in a challenging world is simply refusing to quit. Galatians 6:9 says: «“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”» There may be moments when you feel tired. There may be moments when your prayers seem unanswered. There may be moments when you wonder whether your faith is worth the struggle. But keep going. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep serving. Keep loving. Keep trusting God. Your present struggle does not cancel God's purpose for your life. CONCLUSION The life of a Christian in a challenging world is not always easy, but it is possible by the grace of God. We are called to live differently—not because we are better than others, but because Christ has called us to represent Him. We are called to stand when others fall. To shine when others walk in darkness. To speak truth when falsehood becomes popular. To demonstrate love when hatred increases. To maintain faith when circumstances become difficult. And to remain faithful until the end. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Beloved, the world may be challenging, but God is still faithful. The culture may be changing, but God's Word has not changed. The pressure may be increasing, but God's grace is sufficient. The darkness may be growing, but your light can still shine. Therefore, stand firm. Stay prayerful. Stay in the Word. Stay holy. Stay humble. Stay faithful. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus. PRAYER Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the grace to live faithfully in this challenging world. Strengthen my heart when I am weak, guide me when I am confused, preserve me when I am tempted, and help me to remain a light wherever You have planted me. Let my life bring glory to Your name. May I never compromise my faith, abandon my calling, or lose sight of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen. — Pastor Jonathan O. Ubah #LifeofaChristian #PJCares
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  • BEHIND JESUS

    TEXT: Acts 18:28

    SUPPORTING TEXTS: John 1:1–14; John 4:8, 24; Philippians 3:3

    OBJECTIVES

    At the end of this teaching, participants should be able to:

    1. Understand that God is Spirit and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ.

    2. Recognize the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and understand why God manifested Himself in the flesh.

    3. Explain why Jesus is the only way to salvation and why human religion, morality, or religious tradition cannot save man.

    4. Defend the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God manifested in the flesh, using Scripture.

    INTRODUCTION

    Acts 18:28 (KJV):

    “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

    The subject of Jesus Christ goes beyond what can be seen physically. To understand Jesus, we must look behind Jesus—behind His humanity, His earthly appearance, His birth, His ministry, His death and resurrection—to discover who He truly is.

    The Bible teaches that God is Spirit:

    John 4:24 (KJV):

    “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

    God is also love:

    1 John 4:8:

    “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

    Love cannot be seen with the physical eyes, and the Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Yet both are real.

    QUESTION

    Have you ever physically seen love? Have you ever physically seen a spirit?

    Although you cannot see love itself, you can see the manifestation of love through actions. Likewise, God, who is Spirit, made Himself known to humanity through Jesus Christ.

    John 1:14 (KJV):

    “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

    Jesus is therefore the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

    Colossians 1:15:

    “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”

    1. GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF THROUGH MAN

    God revealed Himself through the human life of Jesus Christ so that humanity could know, believe, and receive Him.

    John 1:14:

    “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

    Jesus did not merely come to teach people about God. He came as God manifested in the flesh.

    1 Timothy 3:16:

    “God was manifest in the flesh…”

    Jesus showed mankind what God is like through His character, words, works, compassion, holiness, power and love.

    2. THE BREATH OF MAN IS LIMITED

    Man's physical life is temporary. The breath of man is dependent upon God.

    Isaiah 2:22:

    “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?”

    James 4:14:

    “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

    Man's life is limited, but God's life is eternal.

    3. THE LIFE OF GOD IS ETERNAL

    God does not depend upon another source for His existence. He is the eternal God.

    John 1:4:

    “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

    John 11:25:

    “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…”

    1 John 5:11:

    “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

    The eternal life of God is revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ.

    4. THE CHARACTER OF MAN IS CORRUPTED BY SIN

    Humanity, because of sin, cannot become its own saviour.

    Jeremiah 17:9:

    “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…”

    Romans 3:23:

    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

    Man therefore needs salvation from outside himself.

    5. THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS GOOD

    God is holy, righteous, loving and good.

    Psalm 100:5:

    “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

    Psalm 145:9:

    “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”

    Jesus demonstrated the goodness and character of God among humanity.

    Acts 10:38:

    “…who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

    6. MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF — JESUS SAVES

    Religion cannot save man. Human wisdom cannot save man. Good works, by themselves, cannot save man.

    Ephesians 2:8–9:

    “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…”

    Salvation is found in Jesus Christ.

    Acts 4:12:

    “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

    The God whom humanity could not physically see came near to humanity in Jesus Christ—and Jesus saves.

    THE REASON GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THE FLESH

    1. SO THAT WE COULD SEE HIM

    God became visible through Jesus Christ.

    John 14:9:

    “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…”

    Jesus is the revelation of the invisible God.

    Colossians 2:9:

    “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

    2. SO THAT WE COULD TOUCH HIM AND KNOW HIM

    John testified that Jesus was physically real.

    1 John 1:1:

    “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have handled…”

    The apostles did not proclaim an imaginary person. They witnessed, heard and physically encountered Jesus Christ.

    3. SO THAT WE COULD FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM

    Jesus did not merely appear to humanity from a distance. He lived among people.

    1 John 1:3:

    “…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us…”»l

    Jesus also fellowshiped with His disciples.

    Matthew 26:30:

    “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

    He ate with them, walked with them, taught them and fellowshipped with them.

    4. TO REVEAL THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE FLESH

    Jesus demonstrated God's power through miracles, healing, deliverance and authority.

    John 2:11:

    “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory…”

    Acts 2:22:

    “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…”

    His works revealed what was behind the humanity—the divine nature and power of God.

    5. TO EXPERIENCE HUMANITY AND IDENTIFY WITH US

    Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, sorrow, rejection and temptation, yet without sin.

    Hebrews 4:15:

    “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…”

    Hebrews 2:17:

    “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…”

    He understands what humanity experiences.

    6. TO SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SALVATION

    The ultimate reason for His manifestation was redemption.

    Matthew 26:28:

    “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

    1 Peter 1:18–19:

    “…ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ…”

    Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and rise again.

    1 Corinthians 15:3–4:

    “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…”

    YOU CANNOT GET GOD CHEAPLY

    Gold does not usually lie openly on the surface. It must be sought, discovered and refined.

    In the same way, we must look beyond the outward appearance of Jesus to understand who He truly is.

    Jeremiah 29:13:

    “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

    Behind the soil, there may be gold.

    Behind the humanity of Jesus, there is the revelation of God.

    Jesus appeared as a man, but He was more than merely a man.

    John 10:30:

    “I and my Father are one.”

    John 20:28:

    “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

    The Messiah was hidden behind the humanity of Jesus until He was revealed to those who believed.

    ANY SPIRIT THAT DENIES JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH

    The Bible gives a serious warning concerning any teaching that denies the incarnation.

    1 John 4:2–3:

    “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…”

    Jesus truly came in the flesh.

    He was not merely a spiritual appearance. He was genuinely human while being divine.

    WHY ACTS 18:28 IS IMPORTANT

    Acts 18:28:

    “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

    Apollos and the early Christian preachers had to convince the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah.

    Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly political kingdom and deliver them from their enemies. They struggled to understand the manner in which the Messiah would first come.

    Jesus did not come first as an earthly political ruler. He came as the suffering Servant who would deal with the deeper problem of humanity sin.

    Isaiah 53:5:

    “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…”

    His kingdom is ultimately spiritual and eternal.

    John 18:36:

    “My kingdom is not of this world…”

    Luke 1:32–33:

    “…the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever…”

    Therefore, Jesus did not fit the people's expectation of what the Messiah should look like, but the Scriptures testified concerning Him.

    PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: WHY PEOPLE STILL REJECT JESUS

    Even today, many people reject Jesus because they do not understand what is behind the Gospel.

    Some see religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, scandals, poor leadership or people who claim Christianity but do not demonstrate Christ-like character.

    But the failure of people does not invalidate Jesus.

    We must distinguish between Jesus Christ and the imperfections of people who claim to represent Him.

    Hebrews 12:2:

    “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

    Our faith must ultimately be placed in Christ, not in imperfect human beings.

    Some people look to God for survival, prosperity, longevity or protection but do not truly know Him.

    They may place their hope in religious traditions, human philosophies or personal beliefs while rejecting God's saving grace.

    But the Gospel points us back to Jesus.

    THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD

    Jesus made this clear:

    John 14:6:

    “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

    Peter also declared:

    Acts 4:12:

    “Neither is there salvation in any other…”

    Jesus did not merely claim to know the way. He declared Himself to be the Way.

    His resurrection became one of the greatest proofs of His identity.

    Romans 1:4:

    “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

    The Christian faith is therefore not founded merely on human philosophy but on the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    CONCLUSION: WHO IS BEHIND JESUS?

    Behind the humanity of Jesus is the divine revelation of God.

    Jesus is the Word who became flesh.

    John 1:1–3:

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him…”

    And then:

    John 1:14:

    “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

    Jesus is the image of the invisible God.

    Colossians 1:15:

    “Who is the image of the invisible God…”

    The fullness of God dwells in Him.

    Colossians 2:9:

    “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

    He existed before Abraham.

    John 8:58:

    “Before Abraham was, I am.”

    He is one with the Father.

    John 10:30:

    “I and my Father are one.”

    Thomas called Him God.

    John 20:28:

    “My Lord and my God.”

    And the Father Himself speaks concerning the Son:

    Hebrews 1:8:

    “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…”

    Therefore, when we look at Jesus, we must look beyond the physical appearance of the man and understand the divine truth revealed through Him.

    Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh.
    Jesus Christ is the revelation of God.
    Jesus Christ is the Messiah.
    Jesus Christ is the Saviour.
    Jesus Christ is the Way to the Father.
    And in Him is eternal life.

    FINAL CHALLENGE

    Do not stop at what you see on the surface.

    Look behind Jesus.

    Look beyond His humanity and discover His divine identity through the Scriptures.

    John 20:31:

    “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

    The goal is not merely to know about Jesus. The goal is to know Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the salvation and eternal life that are found in Him.
    BEHIND JESUS TEXT: Acts 18:28 SUPPORTING TEXTS: John 1:1–14; John 4:8, 24; Philippians 3:3 OBJECTIVES At the end of this teaching, participants should be able to: 1. Understand that God is Spirit and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ. 2. Recognize the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and understand why God manifested Himself in the flesh. 3. Explain why Jesus is the only way to salvation and why human religion, morality, or religious tradition cannot save man. 4. Defend the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God manifested in the flesh, using Scripture. INTRODUCTION Acts 18:28 (KJV): “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” The subject of Jesus Christ goes beyond what can be seen physically. To understand Jesus, we must look behind Jesus—behind His humanity, His earthly appearance, His birth, His ministry, His death and resurrection—to discover who He truly is. The Bible teaches that God is Spirit: John 4:24 (KJV): “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God is also love: 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Love cannot be seen with the physical eyes, and the Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Yet both are real. QUESTION Have you ever physically seen love? Have you ever physically seen a spirit? Although you cannot see love itself, you can see the manifestation of love through actions. Likewise, God, who is Spirit, made Himself known to humanity through Jesus Christ. John 1:14 (KJV): “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is therefore the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” 1. GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF THROUGH MAN God revealed Himself through the human life of Jesus Christ so that humanity could know, believe, and receive Him. John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus did not merely come to teach people about God. He came as God manifested in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16: “God was manifest in the flesh…” Jesus showed mankind what God is like through His character, words, works, compassion, holiness, power and love. 2. THE BREATH OF MAN IS LIMITED Man's physical life is temporary. The breath of man is dependent upon God. Isaiah 2:22: “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” James 4:14: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Man's life is limited, but God's life is eternal. 3. THE LIFE OF GOD IS ETERNAL God does not depend upon another source for His existence. He is the eternal God. John 1:4: “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 11:25: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…” 1 John 5:11: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” The eternal life of God is revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ. 4. THE CHARACTER OF MAN IS CORRUPTED BY SIN Humanity, because of sin, cannot become its own saviour. Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Man therefore needs salvation from outside himself. 5. THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS GOOD God is holy, righteous, loving and good. Psalm 100:5: “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 145:9: “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Jesus demonstrated the goodness and character of God among humanity. Acts 10:38: “…who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” 6. MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF — JESUS SAVES Religion cannot save man. Human wisdom cannot save man. Good works, by themselves, cannot save man. Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The God whom humanity could not physically see came near to humanity in Jesus Christ—and Jesus saves. THE REASON GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THE FLESH 1. SO THAT WE COULD SEE HIM God became visible through Jesus Christ. John 14:9: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” Jesus is the revelation of the invisible God. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” 2. SO THAT WE COULD TOUCH HIM AND KNOW HIM John testified that Jesus was physically real. 1 John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have handled…” The apostles did not proclaim an imaginary person. They witnessed, heard and physically encountered Jesus Christ. 3. SO THAT WE COULD FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM Jesus did not merely appear to humanity from a distance. He lived among people. 1 John 1:3: “…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us…”»l Jesus also fellowshiped with His disciples. Matthew 26:30: “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” He ate with them, walked with them, taught them and fellowshipped with them. 4. TO REVEAL THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE FLESH Jesus demonstrated God's power through miracles, healing, deliverance and authority. John 2:11: “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory…” Acts 2:22: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…” His works revealed what was behind the humanity—the divine nature and power of God. 5. TO EXPERIENCE HUMANITY AND IDENTIFY WITH US Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, sorrow, rejection and temptation, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…” Hebrews 2:17: “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…” He understands what humanity experiences. 6. TO SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SALVATION The ultimate reason for His manifestation was redemption. Matthew 26:28: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” 1 Peter 1:18–19: “…ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ…” Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and rise again. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” YOU CANNOT GET GOD CHEAPLY Gold does not usually lie openly on the surface. It must be sought, discovered and refined. In the same way, we must look beyond the outward appearance of Jesus to understand who He truly is. Jeremiah 29:13: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Behind the soil, there may be gold. Behind the humanity of Jesus, there is the revelation of God. Jesus appeared as a man, but He was more than merely a man. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” John 20:28: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” The Messiah was hidden behind the humanity of Jesus until He was revealed to those who believed. ANY SPIRIT THAT DENIES JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH The Bible gives a serious warning concerning any teaching that denies the incarnation. 1 John 4:2–3: “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…” Jesus truly came in the flesh. He was not merely a spiritual appearance. He was genuinely human while being divine. WHY ACTS 18:28 IS IMPORTANT Acts 18:28: “For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” Apollos and the early Christian preachers had to convince the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly political kingdom and deliver them from their enemies. They struggled to understand the manner in which the Messiah would first come. Jesus did not come first as an earthly political ruler. He came as the suffering Servant who would deal with the deeper problem of humanity sin. Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…” His kingdom is ultimately spiritual and eternal. John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world…” Luke 1:32–33: “…the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever…” Therefore, Jesus did not fit the people's expectation of what the Messiah should look like, but the Scriptures testified concerning Him. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: WHY PEOPLE STILL REJECT JESUS Even today, many people reject Jesus because they do not understand what is behind the Gospel. Some see religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, scandals, poor leadership or people who claim Christianity but do not demonstrate Christ-like character. But the failure of people does not invalidate Jesus. We must distinguish between Jesus Christ and the imperfections of people who claim to represent Him. Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Our faith must ultimately be placed in Christ, not in imperfect human beings. Some people look to God for survival, prosperity, longevity or protection but do not truly know Him. They may place their hope in religious traditions, human philosophies or personal beliefs while rejecting God's saving grace. But the Gospel points us back to Jesus. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD Jesus made this clear: John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Peter also declared: Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other…” Jesus did not merely claim to know the way. He declared Himself to be the Way. His resurrection became one of the greatest proofs of His identity. Romans 1:4: “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The Christian faith is therefore not founded merely on human philosophy but on the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. CONCLUSION: WHO IS BEHIND JESUS? Behind the humanity of Jesus is the divine revelation of God. Jesus is the Word who became flesh. John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him…” And then: John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God…” The fullness of God dwells in Him. Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He existed before Abraham. John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.” He is one with the Father. John 10:30: “I and my Father are one.” Thomas called Him God. John 20:28: “My Lord and my God.” And the Father Himself speaks concerning the Son: Hebrews 1:8: “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…” Therefore, when we look at Jesus, we must look beyond the physical appearance of the man and understand the divine truth revealed through Him. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ is the revelation of God. Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Jesus Christ is the Way to the Father. And in Him is eternal life. FINAL CHALLENGE Do not stop at what you see on the surface. Look behind Jesus. Look beyond His humanity and discover His divine identity through the Scriptures. John 20:31: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” The goal is not merely to know about Jesus. The goal is to know Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the salvation and eternal life that are found in Him.
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  • The Remnant Bible Academy
    Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word.
    100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost.
    Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life.
    Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
    Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge.
    A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community.
    Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity.
    https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 28 Vue
  • The Remnant Bible Academy
    Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word.
    100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost.
    Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life.
    Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
    Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge.
    A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community.
    Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity.
    https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 16 Vue
  • DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP
    DBF-001-021
    Today’s Scripture
    John 1:51 (ESV)
    “And he said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’”
    Opening the Scriptures
    Jesus had told Nathanael that he would see “greater things.” He now begins to explain just how great those things would be.
    His words point back to Genesis 28, where Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it.
    But Jesus now places Himself at the center of that picture.
    He declares that the angels will ascend and descend “on the Son of Man.”
    The message is profound: Jesus Christ is the One through whom sinful humanity is reconciled to the holy God.
    The way to God is not found through human achievement, religious ceremonies, good works, or our own righteousness.
    The way to God is Jesus Christ.
    Living God’s Word Today
    Our world offers countless ways by which people believe they can reach God.
    Some trust religion. Others trust morality. Some believe that simply being sincere is enough. Others assume that doing more good than evil will make them acceptable before God.
    Jesus destroys that confidence.
    Later in John’s Gospel He will state plainly, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
    Christianity is therefore not primarily about humanity climbing upward toward God.
    It is about God coming down to rescue sinners through His Son.
    Jesus Christ took upon Himself our humanity. He lived the righteous life we could never live. He went willingly to the cross, bearing the judgment due to sinners, and He rose victorious from the grave.
    Our hope is not found in what we can do for God.
    Our hope is found entirely in what Christ has done for us.
    John chapter 1 began by declaring that the eternal Word was God. It has shown us the Word becoming flesh, John the Baptist identifying the Lamb of God, and ordinary people beginning to follow Jesus.
    Now the chapter closes by directing our eyes toward the One at the center of everything:
    Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, the only way to the Father.
    Do not place your confidence in yourself today.
    Place your confidence completely in Christ.
    Question for Today:
    Where are you placing your confidence for acceptance before God?
    Respond: “My hope is in Christ alone.”
    DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP DBF-001-021 Today’s Scripture John 1:51 (ESV) “And he said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” Opening the Scriptures Jesus had told Nathanael that he would see “greater things.” He now begins to explain just how great those things would be. His words point back to Genesis 28, where Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it. But Jesus now places Himself at the center of that picture. He declares that the angels will ascend and descend “on the Son of Man.” The message is profound: Jesus Christ is the One through whom sinful humanity is reconciled to the holy God. The way to God is not found through human achievement, religious ceremonies, good works, or our own righteousness. The way to God is Jesus Christ. Living God’s Word Today Our world offers countless ways by which people believe they can reach God. Some trust religion. Others trust morality. Some believe that simply being sincere is enough. Others assume that doing more good than evil will make them acceptable before God. Jesus destroys that confidence. Later in John’s Gospel He will state plainly, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Christianity is therefore not primarily about humanity climbing upward toward God. It is about God coming down to rescue sinners through His Son. Jesus Christ took upon Himself our humanity. He lived the righteous life we could never live. He went willingly to the cross, bearing the judgment due to sinners, and He rose victorious from the grave. Our hope is not found in what we can do for God. Our hope is found entirely in what Christ has done for us. John chapter 1 began by declaring that the eternal Word was God. It has shown us the Word becoming flesh, John the Baptist identifying the Lamb of God, and ordinary people beginning to follow Jesus. Now the chapter closes by directing our eyes toward the One at the center of everything: Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, the only way to the Father. Do not place your confidence in yourself today. Place your confidence completely in Christ. Question for Today: Where are you placing your confidence for acceptance before God? Respond: “My hope is in Christ alone.”
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 27 Vue
  • August 14 - Jesus Urges Compassion

    #LifeOfChrist

    “‘But go and learn what this means: “I desire compassion, and not sacrifice”’” (Matthew 9:13).

    Jesus never shied away from speaking directly and bluntly if the situation demanded such talk. Here He pins the Jewish leaders to the wall by quoting from their own most honored scriptural authorities. Their own prophets rebuke them for their spiritual ignorance and their lack of obedience to God’s clear commands.

    Jesus paraphrases Hosea’s prophetic and divinely inspired words: “I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). The perfect Word of God should have been the Pharisees’ supreme concern, as it should be ours, rather than the flawed words and ideas of humanity. Without true and godly compassion, all the Pharisees’ rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices were worth nothing to God. The person who is indifferent toward other people verifies that he or she is also indifferent toward God, no matter how correct their theology or impeccable their morality.

    Ritual separated from righteousness and a concern for the downtrodden and lost has always been an affront to God. Through the prophet Amos, the Lord declared,
    “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:23–24).

    Ask Yourself

    In what ways have you let duty and religious reputation become elevated in importance beyond genuine love and compassion for others? What is so empty about the former . . . and so rejuvenating about the latter?
    August 14 - Jesus Urges Compassion #LifeOfChrist “‘But go and learn what this means: “I desire compassion, and not sacrifice”’” (Matthew 9:13). Jesus never shied away from speaking directly and bluntly if the situation demanded such talk. Here He pins the Jewish leaders to the wall by quoting from their own most honored scriptural authorities. Their own prophets rebuke them for their spiritual ignorance and their lack of obedience to God’s clear commands. Jesus paraphrases Hosea’s prophetic and divinely inspired words: “I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). The perfect Word of God should have been the Pharisees’ supreme concern, as it should be ours, rather than the flawed words and ideas of humanity. Without true and godly compassion, all the Pharisees’ rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices were worth nothing to God. The person who is indifferent toward other people verifies that he or she is also indifferent toward God, no matter how correct their theology or impeccable their morality. Ritual separated from righteousness and a concern for the downtrodden and lost has always been an affront to God. Through the prophet Amos, the Lord declared, “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:23–24). Ask Yourself In what ways have you let duty and religious reputation become elevated in importance beyond genuine love and compassion for others? What is so empty about the former . . . and so rejuvenating about the latter?
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 20 Vue
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