Tag Archives: Christian Integrity

Dignity (Summary)

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Preacher: Pastor Tunde Netufo

            This morning by the grace of God, the title of my message today is “Dignity”. When you talk about dignity, it’s a state or quality of being worthy of respect or honor, Judges 9: 8 – 15.

From our text, we find what I call a typical case of an allegory. An allegory is a story that illustrates a case; an allegory is a story or an account that also gives an account of another account. Something that is symbolic and typical in nature.

We found the story of trees that desired a king, moving from one tree to the other asking them to come and become king and how they were turning it down; once they turn down, they go to the other until it gets to the last one who accepted to be king. The olive, the vine and the fig tree declined the offer of kingship because they believe in themselves and much more in what they bring to the table and that leads us to the first question, how much do you believe in yourself? How much do you believe in what you are doing?

The olive tree stood by its office of honoring God and men; among the various oils, olive is the most important and expensive.

The fig is the most valuable tree in Philistines; it is a tree with many branches and people find shade under it.

The vine tree is the most important of them all; today, it remains in the process of producing wine which (of course) has traveled all over the world because it refused to remain in the forest.

However, the bramble tree accepted the offer and became the tree of the forest; it failed to appreciate its value and today, of all the trees, it’s the cheapest and you’ll find it in the bush.

So how do we dignify our effort this year? How do we maximize our value so that we can get the best result as we journey into year 2025?

  • Learn to attach great value to whatever position you find yourself, this is because value will propel us to the next level, Romans 11: 13.
  • You must value your Christian life if you want to go to heaven, 1st Peter 2: 9.
  • Dignify yourself.
  • You must be a good time manager.
  • Cultivate the habit of reading.
  • You must be a man of integrity, Psalms 101: 2, Psalms 15: 1 – 5.
  • Prudency is key to right and creative leadership, Proverbs 14: 15 – 16.

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Support Our Ministry,

Good Morning Dear,

It cost a lot of money to maintain a website, Nonetheless a non-profit Christian website,

Please if you have been blessed by this ministry and you are led to support and bless this ministry in return,

Please make your donation to this account,

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo,

Account Number,0139438409,

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Nigeria,

To help us continue in the spreading of The GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST to every corner of this world,

Thank You Very Much For Your Support,

May GOD, we Serve Bless You A Million Times in return, Amen,

May God Bless Israel, Nigeria, And America And Take Care Of Us; May God Make His Face Shine Upon Us, And Be Gracious To Us; May The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Us, And Give Us Peace, In Jesus Christ Name, We Pray! Amen!

May The Grace The Lord Jesus Christ, And The Love Of God, And The Fellowship Of The Holy Spirit Be With You All. Amen!

By Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo,

1-Peter_2-24: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed

Clarifying Misconceptions in Christianity (Part 3)

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TEXT: MATTHEW 22:23-29

INTRODUCTION

Some definitions of misconception: a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception; an idea that is wrong because it has been based on a failure to understand a situation.

We are now in the third week of the series on Clarifying Misconceptions in Christianity. This is a very important topic as our foundation is very important so that we do not commit heresy, and also so that we can have a fulfilling experience.

Our Bible text indicates that Jesus Christ Himself declared that there were misconceptions in Christianity when he was explaining to the people that there is no marriage in heaven.

OUTLINE 1: IF I DONATE A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO THE CHURCH OR BUILD A CHURCH HALL/AUDITORIUM, MY SINS WILL BE FORGIVEN?  Sorry, no!

  1. Sin cannot be covered up or cancelled by good works. Heb 10.10 1 John 4.10
  2. Good deeds do not wash away sins. We are redeemed by Christ. Rom 3.20-24
  3. God cannot be bribed. Deut 10.17 Prov 17.23
  4. Nothing except the atonement provided in Jesus’ sacrifice will atone for sin. It is only the blood of Jesus Christ that wash away sins. 1 John 1.7-9 Heb 9.22 1 John 2.2

SONG: What can wash away my sin

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can make me whole again

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow

No other fount I know

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Are we engaged in pretend Christianity? Our popularity with Man does not equate that we are in right-standing with God. His ways are not our ways. Is. 55.8-9

Every sinner must repent and seek forgiveness of sins. We cannot pass the back door. Acts 3.19-21

OUTLINE 2: IF I PAY OFFERINGS AND TITHES OUT OF ‘DIRTY’ MONEY, THE REMAINING SHALL BE CLEAN. Sorry, no!

Judas as an example. Matt 27.3-6. What sinful act was committed from which the money presented to God was realized? Deut 23.18

  1. Deliberately committing sin so as to bring the money for God to cleanse is a great misconception because such money cannot be cleansed. Money made from committing the sins of stealing, fraud, looting, deception, abuse of the body which is the temple of  the Holy Ghost cannot be acceptable sacrifice. Rom 12.1-2
  • The house of God is not harbour evil. Matt 21.12-13
  • God cannot bear to look at the sinner talk less of accepting gifts from him. Hab 1.13
  • We must not cover up or explain a sin under the excuse that everyone does it. Gal. 6.4-5.
  • God cannot be mocked. Gal 6.7-8

OUTLINE 3: YOU SHALL NOT BORROW MONEY AS A CHRISTIAN

  1. A Christian can borrow money, for good cause, which must be reasonable risk. The
  2. consequences of a failed transaction can cause a believer to backslide. Prov 14.12-14
  • Treasure your name and your calling as a child of God. Prov 22.1
  • Display integrity and the fear of God as a borrower. Lev 19.11-12
  • Love your neighbour as yourself. Rom 13.8
  • However, caution is necessary. Prov 22.7

What is the money being borrowed for? To show off? 2 Cor 10.12-13.

  1. To succumb to family or societal pressure? To pursue an unreasonable business risk that is not supported by any proven economic index.
  • Are you a wicked borrower with no plans of repaying? Do you dodge your responsibility when it is time to repay? Ps. 37.21
  • A loan transaction gone wrong can destroy relationships. Phil 2.3-4 Prov 15.27

CONCLUSION:

No person can bypass the protocol as laid down in the Scriptures when it comes to living a Christlike life. The process for us to be cleansed necessarily involves personal intentional spiritual exercise. We cannot go through the backdoor. 1 John 1:9

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Support Our Ministry,

Good Morning Dear,

It cost a lot of money to maintain a website, Nonetheless a non-profit Christian website,

Please if you have been blessed by this ministry and you are led to support and bless this ministry in return,

Please make your donation to this account,

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo,

Account Number,0139438409,

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Nigeria,

To help us continue in the spreading of The GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST to every corner of this world,

Thank You Very Much For Your Support,

May GOD, we Serve Bless You A Million Times in return, Amen,

May God Bless Israel, Nigeria, And America And Take Care Of Us; May God Make His Face Shine Upon Us, And Be Gracious To Us; May The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Us, And Give Us Peace, In Jesus Christ Name, We Pray! Amen!

May The Grace The Lord Jesus Christ, And The Love Of God, And The Fellowship Of The Holy Spirit Be With You All. Amen!

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo.

John_14-1: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me

Financial Ethics for Church Leaders: A Guide to Integrity

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Financial Ethics for Ministers and Workers

Introduction and Why Financial Ethics

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”. 1 Timothy 6:10

Many criticisms have been levelled against the Church because of finances.

And within the Church, we have also received reports of cases of misconduct between Ministers, Workers and Members that bother on financial integrity.

While we cannot avoid criticisms, we must minimize the opportunities that people have to speak against us. We therefore, need to adopt certain standards and ethics in the area of finances.

“So that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as light in the world”. Phil. 2:15

FINANCIAL ETHICS (1 of 4)

  • Pay your tithes and give offerings generously as a good Minister and Worker

You will come across as a hypocrite if you do not pay tithes and give offerings yourself (teaching one thing, and doing another).

  • Do not receive money on behalf of the church.

Ask the church members to put their tithes and offerings directly into the offering basket.

  • Do not personally count the offerings.

You will appear greedy and very interested in the money.

  • Do not allow money to be counted in the full view of everyone in church.

Some people may think the church has a lot of money, or others may be tempted to steal from the church.

  • Do not take Sunday’s or any other offering to your house.
    • It will seem as though all the offerings are being given to you personally.
    • If the money were stolen from your home, you would have created for yourself a neat little scandal.
    • There would be little anyone could say in your defense.

FINANCIAL ETHICS (2 of 4)

  • If you receive an unusually large gift, personally or in the offering (for instance, an expensive car, wrist watch, etc), you must question the source of it and the motive.

The money could be from a dubious source and receiving it could lead you into some serious problems.

  • Generally speaking, do not borrow money.

Try to manage with what you have.

  • Do not borrow money from the church nor from the offerings.

You may be accused of stealing from the church.

  • Do not borrow money from church members.
  • Do not borrow cars, televisions, or other material items from church members.
    • Church members will lend things to you with a smile, but they may lose respect for you.
    • The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender ( Proverbs 22:7)
  • Do not ask church members for material things or for money.
    • This is also offensive.
    • E.g, can I have one of your radios since you have two and I don’t have any?

FINANCIAL ETHICS (3 of 4)

  • Do not receive money on behalf of church members.
  • Do not hold church members money for safekeeping.

You are not a bank. What will you say if the money gets lost?

  • Do not act as a surety or guarantor for your church members.
  • Do not bail someone just because he is your church member.

This is very risky as all sorts of people find their way to churches. You may find yourself in prison for trying to help your church member (who may be a bona fide criminal).

  • Do not lend money to church members.
    • If a church member asks you for money, give what you can without expecting any repayment. What you give may be a percentage of the original sum requested.
    • This is better than lending money because when it is time to reclaim it, you may find all kinds of ugly situations developing.
    • You may even lose your church member in the process of getting your money back.
  •  Do not allow money and gifts to be the basis of relationships you have with people.

Such relationships are very unstable. Therefore, do not give unusually special treatment to rich people.

FINANCIAL ETHICS (4 of 4)

  • Do not demand or charge a fee as a condition for praying for someone or for prophesying to someone.

Freely you have received and freely give. (Matt. 10:8).

  • Find a decent and honorable way of receiving free will offerings

It is important to ensure that your motives are not misjudged.

  • Do not ask people directly how much they earn or how much they have.

This could be offensive.

  • Do not announce your salary and assets publicly.
    • Revealing your processions may be dangerous in a culture of jealously and poverty.
    • People may not understand why you should have what you have, especially if they don’t have some of the things you have.
  • Your financial needs should not affect your preaching and speech.
  • Your preaching should not include insinuations about your lack of money.

Some Ministers do this in order to gain sympathy and receive donations.

  • If you make a large financial pledge do not announce it publicly.
    • You may not have the opportunity to explain the source of all your blessings.

AND SO WHAT!

Question

  1. Are we now saying that Ministers, Workers and Members cannot get any form of financial assistance or help from the Church or from Church Members?
  • What then are we brethren for!
  • Is it that we are not aware that things are hard for many people in the Church, including Ministers and Workers!

Answer

  1. The Church as part of its Welfare initiatives will continue to give a helping hand within available resources to support Ministers, Workers and Members who are in need.
  • But we have established channels for financial support and help within the Church.
  • Ministers, Workers and Members MUST follow these established channels.

CONCLUSION

Beloved, together we can create a culture of accountability, financial integrity and responsible conduct that will engender trust, love and a harmonious and spiritually uplifting relationships in our Church.

This is the essence of financial ethics.

Let us make it work!

God bless you.

THANK YOU

By Assistant Pastor Benson Evbuomwan

RCCG CTL, Lekki

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayers

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Support Our Ministry,

Good Morning Dear,

It cost a lot of money to maintain a website, Nonetheless a non-profit Christian website,

Please if you have been blessed by this ministry and you are led to support and bless this ministry in return,

Please make your donation to this account,

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo,

Account Number,0139438409,

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Nigeria,

To help us continue in the spreading of The GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST to every corner of this world,

Thank You Very Much For Your Support,

May GOD, we Serve Bless You A Million Times in return, Amen,

May God Bless Israel, Nigeria, And America And Take Care Of Us; May God Make His Face Shine Upon Us, And Be Gracious To Us; May The Lord Lift Up His Countenance Upon Us, And Give Us Peace, In Jesus Christ Name, We Pray! Amen!

May The Grace The Lord Jesus Christ, And The Love Of God, And The Fellowship Of The Holy Spirit Be With You All. Amen!

Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo.