TEXT: John 5:39

INTRODUCTION: John 5:39, as believers, we are admonished to ensure we search the scriptures; according to Charles Spurgeon; “The devil’s effective strategy is not to attack the church directly, but to infiltrate it with false teaching and corrupt practices…”, knowing this will help us contend more for our faith. This knowledge will guide us from becoming victims of misconceptions that can derail us from the path of truth. If these misconceptions are not addressed, it has the potential of becoming the truth, which will erode the ancient landmarks and lead many away from the faith. Teaching on misconceptions can be controversial, but the true church must be consistent by standing against it. Whatever is not prohibited is permitted!

As we continue in this series, may the Spirit of Christ guide us into all truth in Jesus name, Amen.

OUTLINE 1: WE WILL GET TO HEAVEN BASED ON HOW GOOD WE ARE ON EARTH: Eph. 2:8-9, 2 Tim 1:9, 1Tim.1:1, Titus 3:5, Romans 3:23, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, James 1:17, 2:17, Matt 7:16-20, 5:48, Heb 12:14

Salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, it is the gift of God so that none can boast. Christ saved us not because of good works done by us but according to his own mercy. We cannot get to Heaven based on the good works we have done. The Bible makes it clear; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Jesus is the only way, the only truth and the only life to heaven. There is no salvation in no else and the only name under heaven given amongst men by which we must be saved. Good works are a result of salvation and evidence of genuine faith, not a means of salvation and passport to Heaven. A transformed life bears good works, for by their fruits you shall know them. God’s standard for Heaven is Holiness without which no man can see God.

KEY POINT: Romans 3:10, Isa 64:6b – None is righteous no not one, therefore, relying on good will fail.

OUTLINE 2: SHOULD A BELIEVER ALLOW HIS OR HER RELIGIOUS PRACTICES TO IMPART ADVERSELY ON PAID EMPLOYMENT:

COLLOSIANS 3:23-24, MATT 5:16, TITUS 2:9-10, Matt 6:33, Col. 3:23, Romans 12:18, Acts 5:29, 1Peter 2:12, 1 Tess.4:11-12, Phil. 4:5

The relationship between religious practices and employment can sometimes create conflict, and maintaining a balance requires tact and wisdom. The Bible provides principles to guide believers on how to resolve conflict without compromising their faith and professional responsibilities.

1. Prioritize God, be wise and respectful; your ultimate allegiance is to God, it does not mean disregarding work.

2. Work diligently as an act of worship and don’t give your employer a reason to criticize your faith

3. Avoid becoming a conduit for sin in the hands of your employers and above reproach (lying, defraud)

4. Be an example of integrity in work ethics so that our faith becomes attractive to our colleagues

5. Be diligent and don’t use faith as an excuse for poor performance

KEY POINT: James 1:5, Wisdom is profitable; however, be loyal to God, He remains faithful as a great rewarder.

OUTLINE 3: VIOLENT PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS ANSWERED: MATT 11:12, LUKE 18:1-8, 1 JOHN 5:14-15, Matt 11:7-11, 16-19, HEB. 11:6, PHIL 3:12-14, JUDE 1:1-3, ISA. 59:1, ROMANS 9:15-16, ECCL. 9:11, LUKE 11:1-5

What does violent prayer mean? This belief is one of the most debated practices, a very controversial and grave misconception that has eaten deep into Christendom due to the misunderstanding of Jesus’ reference to and praise of John the Baptist and wrongly interpreted that the louder you shout while praying, the faster God will answer your prayers. There are two sources of violence concerning the kingdom of God: from the world through persecution and from believers through Zeal (faith, teaching and perseverance).

Christ’s model of prayer is devoid of shouting but full of reference, worship and love. Our Father who hath in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come…

If shouting was required, the master would have instructed us to follow suit but admonished us not be like the Pharisees and Sadducees. The kingdom of God is not for the weak in heart but for the strong. It is mercy that speaks and covers the multitude of our iniquity. Shouting to God to answer us is a sign that we are far from Him. We do not shout at those we love!

KEY POINT: Ps 51: 17, Luke 18:10-14, A broken and a contrite heart is a gem to God

CONCLUSION: 2 Tim 2:15, Titus 3:8, Constant study of and meditation on the scriptures and obedience to instructions thereby will help us not to become victims of misconceptions.

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, May God Bless Nigeria, May God Bless 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,