NCGF National Online Bible Study on Dominion

NCGF National Online Bible Study
Date: Thursday, April 23rd, 2020. Time: 8-10pm.
Text: Daniel 7
Moderator: Prof Augustine Anigala Online Troubleshooting: National President (Prof. Adisa)

Introduction
Dominion means the authority to rule or exercise control over a kingdom or territory. It also means the sphere of influence, whether terrestrial or celestial. It connotes the struggle for the control of man’s destiny, as it’s evident in the garden of Eden, where a man lost his Dominion and glory and became a captive of sin.
Glory is the acknowledgement, reverence and worship of God because He is great, awesome, splendid and powerful.
The judicious exercise of dominion also results in glory. Daniel’s vision (Dan.7:1-28) reveals that earthly dominions, kingdoms and nations will rise and fall. However, the Son of Man’s kingdom will be eternal. It becomes pertinent to examine Daniel’s vision and the issues arising therefrom, and their implications and relevance to the Christian faith in contemporary experience and practice.
DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS
(1) Who is the Judge? Explain the significance of his title and dress mode, and how they reflect kingdom principles. (Dan.7: 9) – Kenneth Ivuongbe, Benin Chapter
(2) State whether His throne and the scenario express the power that the Judge wields. (Dan.7:10-12). – Mrs Uduakobong Akpan, Port Harcourt chapter
(3) Describe the Son of Man, and advance the reasons which justify his receipt of the kingdom. (Dan.7:13-14; Rom.5:8; Phil.2:7-11). – Mrs Pat Itina, Uyo Chapter
(4) How can we partake in the Son of Man’s kingdom and dominion? (Rom.10:9-10; Mt 7:20-21; 1Thes.2:12; Rev.3:11) – Mrs Ekeoma, Onitsha Chapter
(5) Do we radiate Christ’s glory and exercise his power in today’s world? (1Cor.4:1-2; Mt.5:6) – Bishop Ohis, Benin Chapter.
(6) What should be our attitude and response to persecution? (Dan.7:20- 22; Jn.15:20; Rom.8:35; 2Tim.3:12) – Dr Osoniyi, Ile Ife Chapter
(7) Have we gotten to the time and stage when the eternal kingdom of God would be established? (Dan.7:21-22; 2Tim.3:1-5; Mt.24:5-7) – Blessing Nwariaku/Mrs Umokaso, Port Harcourt/Ikot Ekpenne Chapter
(8) How passionate are we in the pursuit of the great commission? (Mt.28:28-20; 2Tim.4:1-2) – Dr Ike Ijeh
(9) How should we prepare ourselves for the forthcoming judgement? (2Pet.1:10; 1Jn.3:1-3) – Mrs Chizoba Adisa
(10) What is the significance of the judgements in Daniel and John’s visions to Christians? (Dan.7:9,10,26,27; Rev.20:11-15) Prof Osakwe/Chris Tsaku, AbrakaChapter/Bauchi Chapter
Conclusion
Human beings participate in the actualisation of their destiny. People’s decisions or choices and actions define their celestial destination (Deut.30:19). Therefore, we should re-double our efforts in influencing people’s decisions through the passionate propagation of the gospel, while manifesting Christ’s glory and power. We must be wise, walk and work in holiness, in order for us to receive God’s praise, honour and commendation. We must strive to be partakers in the Son of Man’s kingdom, dominion and glory (Dan.7:22; Rev.22:14).

QUESTION 1
Who is the judge? Explain the significance of His title and dress mode, and how they reflect kingdom principles (Dan.7:9)

ANSWER

Christ is the judge.
The Judge is the Ancient of Days Himself, that is, God the Father, though judgment is to be carried out by Christ (God the Son). Because God the Father has handed over everything to Him since before incarnation (Jn. 5:27). But as at the time of Daniel this revelation was not made clearly known; so, the Judge remains the Ancient of Days (God the Father – Jn10:30)
B. Choice of the title (Ancient of Days). The title signifies His “dateless” or “ageless” age from eternity to eternity. As a man once said: “with the ancient in wisdom the days shall speak”. He is older and wiser than every creation and activity, which automatically make Him to:

a. be present on every occasion/ activity
b. have knowledge of every activity
c. be a living witness to every activity

The dress mode speaks of purity, righteousness, and incorruptibility in the discharge of His duty as a judge. It further speaks of His glory (white as snow); thus, depicting both His splendor and purity in all administration of his justice.
Relationship to kingdom principles:

As a kingdom principle depicted by the Ancient of Days above, it implies:
a. He is the head of the human race. A judge must be both pure, righteous and incorruptible.
b. He must have good knowledge of the matter he is to preside over.
C. He must lead without preferential treatment.
d. Be able to subdue all forms of wickedness.

Furthermore, as Christians, we are to imitate our God by attempting to act in wisdom.

QUESTION 2
State whether His throne and the scenario express the power that the Judge wields. (Dan.7:10-12)

ANSWER
The introduction of the thrones and sitting of the Ancient of Days, along with His entourage, was in fact the GAME CHANGER in this scene – Dan7:9. The throne, like a fiery flame, with heels burning, depicted a soon coming overruling judgment. He is sitting in a white garment, hair like wool and throne exuding fire. Thousands and tens of thousands are bowing down to Him.
The entire world saw that there is a Judge whose throne wields an enormous influence and power. He alone had such powers to hold the court session and to open ‘the books’ of Judgement.

Finally, the beast is slain; others are stripped of their powers. And eternal Dominion conferred upon the Messiah unto whom the whole earth bows.

QUESTION 3
Describe the Son of Man and advance the reasons which justify His receipt of the Kingdom.

ANSWER

A. The Son of Man described in Dan 7:13 refers to the person of our Lord Jesus Christ – a title God the Son used to identify Himself with humanity. In order to redeem fallen man, He had to become Man himself, and only then was He eligible to become the perfect sacrifice to rescue us from the clutches of death.

B. Advance reasons that justify his receipt of the kingdom
I. His obedience was perfect:
The first man, Adam, lost his place of dominion and authority due to disobedience. The need then arose to restore fallen man to his rightful place.
Jesus came as the second Adam, born in the likeness of man, making Him the perfect sacrifice for man’s redemption. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. As a result, God rewarded Him with a kingdom without end (Phil 2:7-11)

II. To restore man’s lost dominion and glory:
God had predestined that those called according to His purpose, whom He knew in advance, would become like His Son. So, He glorified His Son so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren. We then who are united with Him also share in His dominion and glory (Rom 8:29-30).

III. So all the nations of the earth will obey Him:

Daniel’s vision in Dan 7 reveals the different world powers that had and still have dominion over the rest of the world, influencing mankind by their rule (systems, ideologies, traditions). However, their rule is only temporary. God’s intention is that the final authority that all the world will be subject to is that of His Son. Therefore, it was necessary to establish Him in an eternal kingdom. And we who are His chosen ones will rule with Him forever.

QUESTION 4
How can we partake in the Son of Man’s kingdom and dominion?

ANSWER

At creation, God gave so much honour to man by making him in His own image and likeness and by giving him dominion over all His other creatures (Gen 1:26). His original intention was that man should be just like Him so as to relate at par with Him.

Well, unfortunately, man failed God because he fell to the deceit of the enemy, Satan, therefore giving over his God-given dominion to him. To show His great love to mankind, God made another plan to restore him to his former estate. Now the coming of Jesus brought about this restoration and it was stated clearly in (Jhn3:16). The Bible says that “whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life”. The question is, how do I have (partake) in this life that God offers? It is so simple, and basically, it is just believing and confessing that Jesus died and rose again (Rom10: 9-10). The moment we accepted Jesus into our hearts we became sons of God and we were catapulted into His kingdom though we live here on earth. Also, as a result of being His sons, God gave us dominion over this earth. He gave us dominion over the systems of the world, over sin, over fear, over lack and over anything that raises itself above the knowledge of God. Having this at the back of our minds, we live for him by His word, bearing Godly fruit (Matt7:20-21 & I Thess. 2:12). We will also rule and reign in this world, dominating totally because that is what God has called us to do till Jesus comes again (Rev. 3:11).

QUESTION 5

Do we radiate Christ’s glory and exercise his power in today’s world? (1Cor.4:1-2, Mt.5:6)

ANSWER

Yes, we radiate Christ’s glory and exercise His power. We are the salt of the earth and light of the world. As He is, so are we in this world, because Christ Jesus lives in us by the Holy Ghost.

However, not all those who say Lord! Lord! have the requisite relationship with Him, hence He asked if He would find faith on the Earth.
Today, we have those whose god is their belly; those whose love has waxed cold; shepherds who oppress and exploit the servants. But still, there are several others that have not compromised. These ones will continue to shine and manifest; these are the sons of God.

(References: Mt. 5:13-14, Ezek. 36:27, Col.1:27, Mt.7:21, Lk.18:8, Phil.3:19, Mt.24:12, Lk.12:45, 1Kg.19:18, Rom.8:19)

QUESTION 6

What should be our attitude and response to persecution?

ANSWER

Dan 7:22…” Until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”
This must be our comfort through persecution; that a time is coming when our relief and victory will manifest.

a. Persecution is sure for the Christian if we remain true to Christ. The same way He suffered, we will too. (John 15:20 & 2 Tim.3:12)
b. Recognize that we are in good company, with prophets of old, and contemporary saints when we suffer persecution. (Mat.5:10-12)
c. When persecutions come, we must remain unshakeable in our faith in Christ (Rom.8:35)
d. We must count it all joy, get stronger by it, and grow from it ((James 1:2)
e. Like Paul and Joseph, rejoice in it, knowing that God always means good for us, even in our trials. (Philippians 3:10 & Gen.50:20)
f. Finally, like Jesus, let us entrust ourselves to God, who judges justly (1 Pet.2:23).

QUESTION 7

Have we gotten to the time and stage when the eternal kingdom of God would be established? (Dan 7:21-22; 2Tim 3:1-5; Matt 24:5-7)

ANSWER

We are already in the end-time era for the establishment of the eternal kingdom of God, but we are not yet at the final stage.

Jesus Christ himself, before ascension, said that some of His disciples, standing beside Him then, would not die before the Kingdom of God came in power (Matt. 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27). Jesus could not be lying. The fact that the disciples have all died indicates that the process of the establishment of the Kingdom had started before they died. The signs and persecutions are outlined in 2Tim. 3:1-5 and Matt. 24:5-14 have since begun and are continuing today.
The final establishment of the Kingdom of God will follow the second coming of Christ when he will reign with the Saints. Then sin, death, and Satan will be no more.

However, for now, the Kingdom of God is being established on earth as believers continue to do His will and have dominion over sin and principalities (Eph. 2: 6; Eph. 3:10; Rom 6:14). This is because Christ is already exercising His dominion and establishing His Kingdom on the Earth over powers and principalities (Eph. 1:19-23)

QUESTION 8

How passionate are we (or should we be) in the pursuit of the great commission? (Mt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 4:1-2).

ANSWER

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

I added Vs. 18 to reflect the topic of the study. As long as we are on the go for Jesus in preaching the gospel we are backed by His authority and nothing can stop us. Even when Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed, they still made impact with gospel on the jailer and his household. Jesus has promised to always be with us in this undertaking, and we can be sure that He will make a way for us where there is no way. Therefore we have no excuse whatsoever for not preaching the gospel. It is the most important task the Lord gave the Church. He didn’t commission us to go and make the various governments of the nation’s godly.

Jesus is an example of how passionate we should be in carrying out this assignment: “But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” (John 4:4-5, 7, 32). In this passage Jesus was constrained to go through Samaria because He needed to preach to a Samaritan woman who would be a key to reaching the city of Samaria. In response to the amazement of His disciples that He was speaking to the woman, He implied that His passion for souls could be compared to an intense hunger for food.

Sometimes God does amazing things when we step out boldly. In 2013 my wife and I were in Kent UK to attend IGOC hosted by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo. We lodged in a hotel. One morning my wife left before me to the restaurant for breakfast. Before I left my room, I declared, “As I step out of this room, I will preach to anyone I meet, whether he likes it or not”. As soon as I came out of that room a white woman was coming out of another room. I greeted her and started preaching to her. It turned out that she was a Christian and travelled down to attend the same conference. From that day she carried us to and from the conference venue every day until it was over. We’ve been friends since then. She arranged for me to be interviewed by a Christian radio station in Bournemouth (her place) in 2015 to advertise my book. And she is now helping me with marketing the book in the UK.

We must preach the gospel in season and out of season. I pray every day for God to make me a prolific soul winner, to help me to make the most of every opportunity to preach the gospel with a telling effect.

QUESTION 9

How should we prepare ourselves for the forthcoming judgement? (2Pet.1:10; 1Jn.3:1-3).

INTRODUCTION: Just as death is sure, so is our judgment before God: “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” (Heb. 9:27 NIV). So the primary aspects to the final judgment will be separation of the righteous from the unrighteous, and where we will spend eternity; either in God’s presence (heaven), or out of God’s presence (hell).

ANSWER

1) We have to accept that there is no escape from God’s judgment. (1 Ch. 28:9a NIV)
2) We need to acknowledge who God has appointed as a judge at the end of the world – Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31 NIV)
3) We need to acknowledge the standard against which our every thought, word, and deed will be measured – God’s Word (John 12:48 NIV)

Next steps:

1) Examine ourselves to judge the state of our relationship with God. We must be born again. If we’re already born again, then
2) Repent of each and all your sins. The more specific you can be in prayer before God, the better it will testify to your sincerity and true contrition. Prayers like “forgive me of those sins I know and don’t know” doesn’t show sincerity. Also to repent of something is to embrace God’s view of it.
3) Read the Bible every day in order to better learn and follow God’s will for the rest of your life.

CONCLUSION

God’s will for us includes a lifestyle of confessing our sins and applying His forgiveness for them as they occur (1Jn 1:8-10), turning away from those sins, forgiving others for their sins against us (Mt 6:12), worshipping God, serving one another, and maturing ourselves in His Word. God’s will also involves asking Him to reveal to us exactly how we are to apply His principles and directions within our own unique circumstances and personal desires. That’s how to prepare.

Thanks.

QUESTION 10

What is the significance of the judgments in Daniel and John’s visions to Christians? (Dan. 7: 6, 10, 26&27; Rev. 20: 11-15)

ANSWER

In the Bible, the most important judgment is the final judgment, the ultimate separation of good and evil at the end of history. The precise/exact time of this judgment is appointed by God (Acts 17:31). The purpose/significance of the final judgment is to glorify God through the salvation of the Elect and the condemnation of the ungodly (see 2Thes. 1: 3 -10; Daniel 12:2, John 5: 28 & 29, Rev.20:12).

Furthermore, the import of the visions of Daniel and John is that a great and dreadful day is coming when the saints and the sinners will be parted right and left. Are you ready for that great day of the Lord?

In Daniel’s vision, it is the Father who judged on behalf of the Son. The Ancient of Days here is God the Father. One like the Son of Man would then be the Lord Jesus, coming before the Father to be invested with the kingdom. The Revelation reference presents the Great White Throne Judgment. This judgment is against non- Christians /unbelievers. This occurs immediately before God ushers believers into the eternal state. This is indeed a solemn, sad and frightening state.

Question 10

Answer

Vs 9 and 10 of Daniel 7 and Rev 20: 11, 15 reflect that judgement awaits every believer’s deeds, good or bad as the case may be; hence in our quest or pursuit of dominion we should live with this consciousness. Having in mind that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17).

The reverse today is being preached on pulpits without much emphasis on the need to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

Therefore, the clarion call is for believers to put on clean garments for the Holy city and desist from every uncleanness and rein in their hearts and turn unto the Lord our God for He’s gracious and merciful.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS

– I love Mrs. Adisa’s assertion that confession of sin should be specific and evidence of contrition. The generalized confession is more religious than spiritual.
– When I read the exploits of men in the bible or even Christians of the 18th century and the tremendous things they did for God…. sometimes I ask myself whether we are really serious about our pursuit of God 

– Thank you! I think this position is more scriptural. Judgment is for all. All men shall stand before the throne of God and give an account of their lives. Every man’s work will be tried by fire.

– In the year where God’s judgment is visible on the earth, where is the manifestation of the dominion and glory by the Church?

– I read about a book titled “Why God used D. L. Moody”. He made a decision to share God’s word to someone daily and kept at it. We need to make a decision to reach more people with the gospel, for faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God

– The greatest challenge to exercise Dominion today is the submission to human wisdom and knowledge. We rationalize a lot; we don’t accept the spiritual challenges.
– We are good at shortcuts to solutions to personal, community, national and global challenges. In fact, we have conceded Dominion to science.

– Question: what is the difference between hell and lake of fire? Do they mean the same thing?

– Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

– Thanks, but can you please explain this further with reference to 2Cor.5:10 and Heb.9:27?

– 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

– Yes, all men will be judged. The difference between the judgment of the unbeliever and that of the believer is that whereas the believer is judged just to determine his position in the kingdom, the unbeliever faces condemnation.

– Church has surrendered Dominion to Bill Gates who now call the shots while the church waits for them.
– The special imposing dress of the Judge tells of the highest dignity of His Authority.

– Unfortunately, we see our own judges dress in a dignified manner but produce undignified judgments.

– Dress code depicts purity and righteousness which are needed for one to sit as a judge. Unlike what we see in the world where obvious wicked men sit as judges. Is it any wonder the world is in a mess?

– Just a challenge that comes to me:

If Jesus will judge the world, He will obviously judge according to His Principles, His Word.
Will it not be unfair to judge the world according to the Principles they do not know?
This brings the enormous work before the Church…. Go and teach the world My (Jesus) principles.
If the world doesn’t know, judging them by those principles will be like judging me with the laws of Bangladesh.

– We must remind ourselves constantly of this coming Judgement in all our dealings.

– God is perfectly in control. He has been pleading with men till now. People cajole His messengers now. A time will come when He will arise as the judge of all men. That will be operation No mercy.

– That’s why Matthew 24 says the end will NOT come until the gospel has been preached to every people nation.

– We can only do our best in reaching people. God will know how to judge them.

– But then the Bible says he that knows the will of his master but does not do it, shall be beaten with many stripes. And he who doesn’t know the will of his master, and doesn’t do it, shall be beaten, but with few stripes. Is that applicable in this circumstance?

– The truth is that you know because you are born in this part of the world. Then you repented.

– Some persons born in some countries DO NOT KNOW AS AT TODAY.

– The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. Romans 1:18-19 NIV

– Both the Throne and Scenario fully express consistently the ultimate power of the Judge.

– Not the same in our world today

– I am equally concerned with the degree of care to describe the dressing. In Exodus also such detailed account was given for the dressing of Aaron and his priestly children. Knowing that God Almighty has made us kings and priests I am thinking we equally take care of whatever we must wear.

– Imperfection cannot redeem imperfection. Jesus, being the only sinless Son of God is qualified to receive the Kingdom. When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive…

– I think it’s worth mentioning that Jesus received His authority by inheritance.

– When God said “Who will go for us?” and Jesus offered Himself, that could be seen as a prelude to His being qualified to receive the kingdom. Sacrifice has rewards.
– The Angels sang in Revelation: Thou art worthy to receive and open the scroll. His great sacrifice qualified JESUS.

– Those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by Christ. We receive by faith.

– 2Cor. 5:10- for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Heb.9:27 – just as man is destined to die once, and after that the judgment.
Rev. 20:11-15 – Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it…The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books…If anyone’s name was not found in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
It is necessary for Prof. Emman Osakwe to distinguish between the judgments referred to in the 3 Bible passages above, please.

– We should remind ourselves that the judgment of God covers the imagination of our hearts, the motives of our actions because the outward actions can be deceitful.

– We also partake in His kingdom and dominion when we take authority in the name of Jesus and pray. Especially when we pull down strongholds and the things that exalt themselves against the Lordship of Jesus Christ and make prophetic declarations in line with the word of God.

– Indeed, it’s up to us. God will not do for us what He’s empowered us to do.

– I believe that the words of Jesus that the kingdom is within us via the words of our mouths is important. Sometimes we do not bother to rule our world in prayer and we expect somehow things will change. Perhaps we need to change our fatalistic response.

– We have the power of attorney to use the name of Jesus.

– The church needs to return to this five-fold mandate that God through Christ restored unto us- Be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue it and then, have dominion.

– The word of God is valid for yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It’s our final authority, and it’s our guide and reference.
Even at the close of the age, scripture reveals that the days of tribulation will be shortened because of the ELECT.
As men, we like Elijah are tempted to believe that the entire universe has failed God, but that is not the view of God.
God always has a remnant and even today, there are still genuine demonstrations of dominion, power, and glory of God; otherwise, it will mean that our prayers are mere religious rituals.
All we need to be part of those exercising dominion power and glory today as children of God is righteousness and faithfulness.
See Mt. 5:6; 1Cor.4:1-3

– As long as we know who we are in Christ. We can speak to the mountain, without a doubt in hearts, and we shall have whatever we say.

– The challenge is that most believers do not know whose images we carry; we carry Jesus Christ on the inside and are controlled by the outside forces.

– To a large extent no. And I think it’s because we have become very satisfied with just doing church and not bothered that there are no results to back up our activities….
And I’ll say we don’t really want to pay the price for that realm.

– I believe that it is our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, baptism of the Holy Spirit and manifesting the fruit of the Holy Spirit that will enable us to live and have dominion in His Kingdom.

– I believe this calls for a reality check on all of us. We have been given all things that pertain to godliness and Godly living, but only a few exercise this dominion.
Let’s be very practical. How do we bridge the gap between the expected and our current reality?

– Romans 5:16 says that they who have received the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life through Christ Jesus. I also believe that whenever we subdue the flesh and walk in the Spirit, we partake in His kingdom and exercise dominion.
Let’s be very practical. How do we bridge the gap between the expected and our current reality?

– The exercise of God’s power in Christ by believers is contingent upon God granting that power. The question is: Does He grant us power just because we want it or because He is assured we will serve His purposes with the power?

– Let us individually make sure we are genuine.

– Yes ooo. Even with fake ones around, there are millions of genuine Christians manifesting Christ’s Glory and power.

– This depends on the Supreme Court of heaven over any situation.
Jesus said that He does the will of His father.
How intimate are you with God to know His will in every situation? That is the secret of the believers exercising absolute dominion.

– Self-denial. A sincere desire for the manifestation of God’s power.

– We are not all given the gift of working miracles, but when we do His good will by daily dying to self and walking in the Spirit, God’s power is made manifest in us. His kingdom is in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost

– I agree with you and I will share my experience with us.
During our youth service years, we concentrated initially on building capacity in the fellowship with little or no outreaches. We started having problems among ourselves, arguments, disputes, etc. Then God opened our eyes to the vast need around us and we started school outreaches. Wow, even the youngest members of the fellowship were casting out demons, performing miracles. It was an awesome experience for us.

– We should be committed and stop mediocrity; like how many days do we fast and wait on God, how many hours do we fast in a day, do we really try with our hearts to practice Jesus’ teachings, forgiving others even when it hurts, loving others and going the extra mile for one another? No wonder we’re not measuring up. Jesus please help us!

– How can a church that is eager to compromise see the power of God? For instance, Capro7 (i.e. 7 CAPRO missionaries kidnapped by Boko Haram). The power and glory came because they refused to pay ransom. God is able to set the captives free. They would have as well-paid ransom.

– We must, as Christians, be yielded to the Holy Spirit. Gal.2:20; 5:22-24 and continually do a self-appraisal and examination. 2Cor.13:5

– Even in the place of prayer, we don’t pray to hear God speak to us. God speaking has become a luxury. The truth is that we are not aspiring to do what Christ did, not to talk of doing greater things.

– Yes, we can. But note that our Lord Jesus used bread and fish method; and people were looking for Him not necessarily for the word but for the bread and fish. Jn. 6

– Many Christians do not see evangelism as a cardinal part of their service to God.
Many churches do not see evangelism and missions as top priority.
About 2 years ago, I made it a point of duty to do a lot of self-examination and to seek God’s face in prayers regarding my relationship with Him.
I did not want a situation where I would profess to be a believer and end up being a castaway at the end. During my prayers, I specifically asked the Lord to show me areas of my life where I was not really doing well. I told the Lord that He should please show me certain things I was doing which could make me miss heaven and other things I needed to do to secure my place in heaven. After some months the Lord graciously showed me certain areas of my life I needed to work on.

– THE BOOKS SHALL BE OPENED TO JUDGE THE WORLD.
ONLY ONE BOOK SHALL BE OPENED FOR THE SAINTS…THE BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB OF GOD.

– In response to questions raised around Question 10:

(a) 2 Cor. 5: 10 has to do with judgment of the quality of service and the attendant reward

(b) Heb. 9:27 It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment…. This is a determined destination based on how you lived your life while on this side of eternity, depending on what you did with Christ, whether you are saved or not.

(c) The Revelation judgment has to do with the judgment of unbelievers.
– We learn, in order to improve on ourselves and enhance the quality of service we render as God’s vessels. He does not applaud arrogant, conceited, and self-righteous people, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, we must strip ourselves of all carnal dispositions and ensure that our garments are clean. Finally, it is mandatory for us to demonstrate Christ’s dominion and manifest His glory.

God bless.

The Anigalas.
End of the study