GOD REMAINS GOD WITHOUT YOU OR ME! 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 SYSTEMIC FAVOURITISM AND RACISM IN GOD'S CHURCH!(JAS.2:1-7) [PART TWO] 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 Welcome back. Remember we were talking about a situation in the same church where a specific individual will appeal for help,and everyone will rush to assist, but another believer in the same church, perhaps in a worse situation,will passionately and practically beg on his knees for church assistance. However, the church will suddenly go broke and point out abandoned projects or suddenly remember they have rules...ALL IN A BID TO DENY THIS DESPERATELY NEEDY MEMBER THE ASSISTANCE HE REQUIRES. And for the eventuality he dies, don't even go there...as if church burial is what guarantees you Eternal Life. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (Act 10: 34) PETER MEANT EVERY WORD OF IT,BASED ON WHAT HE SAW...GOD POURING THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE PEOPLE PETER AND THE OTHER JEWS SEE AS SINNERS. James' focus is on the sin of showing favoritism to the rich and despising the poor, but his words apply to all types of prejudice, whether it is based on economic status, race, or anything else. To favor some people and to disregard others based on outward factors is a terrible sin that plagued the early church in James’ day. Just as it's doing in our own generation. Yes, it has plagued the church in every generation, because it stems from pride(selective of those we would want to relate with, it can be our class,skin color, career, rich or poor, dress sense,etc,so many godly irrelevant attributes) which are endemic to our fallen hearts. James tells us that favoritism has no place in the Church and therefore no place in the heart of a believer in Christ Jesus. God’s church has to navigate these challenges and bring hope to a world who has lost its way. God's Church has to always remember that showing favouritism in any way is a sin. Christ Jesus came and died for all of us on the Cross of Calvary, He didn’t show favouritism to anyone, He died for all of us. He offered eternal life to all people who believe in Him. Let us all follow the example of our Saviour, He showed no partiality to the poor, needy, sick, blind, prostitute, tax collector. He loves everyone. 👉 BELIEVERS SHOULD TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY. (5-7). 5. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6. But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7. Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (Jas 2: 5-7) In this passage we see. 1 God has chosen the poor (2:5,6b). 3 The rich oppress the believers (2:6b,7). God has sovereignly chosen (elected) the poor. This does not mean every poor person will be saved or that every rich person will be lost. But generally speaking, it is the poor who respond to the salvation that is in Christ Jesus faster than the rich who are heavily influenced by their wealth that they could need nothing else except more wealth; 26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (1Co 1: 26-28) It's the reason Christ Jesus said that, *it will be easier for the camel to pass through the eye of a needle,than for a rich man to make it to eternal life* (I have explained this before in previous studies that its essential point is the pride of the affluent, where we discussed the very low gate in Jerusalem called, The Needles Eye, the only gate kept open after dark) Christ Jesus wasn't condemning wealth...but the vain confidence that comes with it, as their hearts deceive them it's their own effort that enrich them...Again, endemic to our fallen nature,that the devil uses to manipulate our senses. Thus, it's generally established that poor people are more crazy about God...seeing in Him,their last hope from the oppression of the most cruel affluent...99.9% of the wealthy are controlled by their wealth(slaves to mammon...demon of money) To the poor generally, while lack is not in anyway a straight ticket or visa to eternal life, but to quite a great number of them...contented that God will meet their need(active faith) ,God is everything to them, They have nothing in this world but they are happy people, because what they got is God and God’s favour is upon the poor. Remember the story of Rich man and Lazarus. (Luke 15:19-31) In the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the rich man does nothing while alive to help Lazarus, a poor beggar, and when he dies the rich man goes to Hell whereas Lazarus goes to Heaven………… This parable sends the message that worldly and earthly possessions are of no benefit in the afterlife. This parable sits in the context of Christ Jesus criticizing the Pharisees, whom Luke accuses of being “lovers of money” (16:14). But the parable speaks not only about them; it extends to Luke’s readers, warning them about the blinding, dangerous capacities of wealth. The rich man and Lazarus lead two totally opposite forms of existence. Rich man was covered with wealth and riches; the poor man was covered in sores and hunger. Rich man feasts daily with best foods; poor man looks for scraps to curb his hunger. Rich man lives inside a gated beautiful home; the poor man lies at the gate. Rich man receives the dignity of burial according to custom; the poor man is carried off to be with Abraham. They live close to one another, perhaps even visible to one another through the gate. After death, their conditions are totally reversed. Christ Jesus never explicitly states why the rich man receives his torment, but the story makes some clear suggestions. The man has disregarded the poor, even poor Lazarus who lived so nearby. This was done not out of ignorance but out of willful neglect. (It appears from v. 24, where the rich man knows Lazarus’s name, that they are not strangers to each other.) The man also is presumptuous, perhaps assuming that he deserves good things in life because of his wealth or status. The ridiculous thing was that even in torment of hell rich man was still trying to manipulate poor man Lazarus. The rich man asked to let Lazarus come down from heaven and serve him to cool his tongue with a drop of water to reduce his “agony in this fire.” The rich man additionally requested Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth as a warning to his brothers to atone for their sins, however, both requests were refused. NOW, A QUESTION BEGS FOR ANSWER...👇 How are we treating people who are homeless and begging for food on the roadside, how do we react to them? Are we committing the sin of favouritism? We should never ever look down on the poor and needy and weak people around us. We should not look down another human base on their economic status, the colour of their skin, by their culture, by their educational qualification. We should treat everyone equally. Remember God is watching. God is watching. Lets us see how God is telling us to live our life without showing favouritism to anyone. 43. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Mat 5: 43-48) As a church our love should be put into action. 9. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom 12: 9-21) 👉 Conclusively, we have seen that favouritism is sin. (we should stop the sin of favouritism) The church should be the change in this world *where there is favouritism everywhere.* The change has to start from you and me, from your family, and bring change in our society, in our workplace. 2. Believers should treat all people equally. Let us treat all people as Christ Jesus treats us, as Christ Jesus loves us. Let the beauty of Christ Jesus be seen in us. Let our light so shine that people may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. I THINK WE ALL NEED THIS PRAYER 👇 Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for this blessed enlightenment from Your Word .We thank you for Your Words. We ask for Your forgiveness,for we have sinned against You and against people as of showing partiality to others, please forgive us. And help us not to repeat the same sin again. Enable us that our will may be lost in YOUR WILL for us. Help us to treat all people equally like You treat us, help us to love all the people like You love us. Bless all our brothers and sisters who acknowledge this truth and seek to make amends,which is Your Heartbeat for us. In Christ Jesus' Name, we pray,Amen🙇🙏!

GOD REMAINS GOD WITHOUT YOU OR ME! 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 SYSTEMIC FAVOURITISM AND RACISM IN GOD'S CHURCH!(JAS.2:1-7) 💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁 I'm aware that I'm treading on dangerous grounds,but the Truth must be upheld at all times as Christlike believers,no matter how hard it seems. I trust the Lord to help me. You don't have to believe it,but at the same time you can't deny it that there's selective treatment in our local assemblies today which ought not to be so. If you fall positive side of it,you will see nothing wrong with it,but if you're at the negative side,the receiving end of the evils of selective treatment(like me), you will be on the same page with God's Word on this hydra headed monster. Lets see what is favoritism Personal favoritism: This word denotes partiality or biased judgment based on external circumstances, such as race, wealth, social rank, etc. It ignores the value of the individual as a person.When we see around the world for instance. American history, we see the story of how blacks and the colored are mistreated by white America.We also know of how 6 million Jews were killed by Nazis because of hatred. We see the story of Nepotism on our television screens and social media. No one can conscience free admit not knowing the pains identified with WOODY GUTHRIE'S,*DEPORTEES!* It has been sung again and again by different musicians, underlying that tragedy. Why are there groups of so-called Christians in America today called the *THE WHITE EVANGELICALS* WITHOUT A CORRESPONDING BLACK OR COLORED EVANGELICALS IN THE SAME AMERICA? Back home in my country, Nigeria,in the big pentecostal churches, it's mostly a family and tribal affair,with key relevant offices being held by the tribe or family members of the General Overseers... Isn't this favouritism occasioned by tribal racism? WHERE DOES THIS COME FROM IN THE BIBLE WE ALL READ? SOME TYPES OF FAVORITISM; 👉Nepotism: In business, hiring family members regardless of qualifications. 👉Cryonism: In business, hiring friends regardless of qualifications. 👉Gender Bias: Believing that one gender is better than the other; treating the other gender poorly. 👉Age-ism: Treating someone different because of their age… usually the very young or the very old. 👉Racism: Treating one race different than others; usually preferring one’s own race to others. I AGAIN WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT WHAT TRANSPIRES IN OUR TOP CHURCHES IN NIGERIA IS ACTUALLY *RACISM!* TRIBALISM IS RACISM IN A SECONDARY SENSE. And it didn't start today. It's the reason the God led writers of the epistles we read today condemned it. And one of such is James. In his days, there was favouritism in the church. My question for all of us is, What are believers role and responsibility on this subject of Favouritism? Let's see what James has to say; 1. My brothers, if you have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, do not take a man's position into account. 2. For if a man comes into your Synagogue in fair clothing and with a gold ring, and a poor man comes in with dirty clothing, 3. And you do honour to the man in fair clothing and say, Come here and take this good place; and you say to the poor man, Take up your position there, or be seated at my feet; 4. Is there not a division in your minds? have you not become judges with evil thoughts? 5. Give ear, my dear brothers; are not those who are poor in the things of this world marked out by God to have faith as their wealth, and for their heritage the kingdom which he has said he will give to those who have love for him? 6. But you have put the poor man to shame. Are not the men of wealth rulers over you? do they not take you by force before their judges? 7. Do they not say evil of the holy name which was given to you? (Jas 2: 1-7) *THUS, LET'S BEWARE OF FAVOURITISM* 👉1.Showing favouritism is a SIN.(1-4) Let's look at vs 9 But if you take a man's position into account, you do evil, and are judged as evil-doers by the law. (Jas 2: 9) James says as believers in our glorious Lord Christ Jesus, we should remember your identity in Christ Jesus, we are redeemed, adopted, beloved children of God, The Holy spirit is living in our hearts. He means as believers and as children of God, we should not show favouritism to anyone. If Christ Jesus does not condemn you, if God does not show you partiality, if God does not judge you, who are we to show partiality, who are we to condemn. That's why James said we should not show partiality. James uses the word “favoritism.” The word means “respecter of persons” or to “show partiality.” James is talking about the fault of giving judgment to the outward circumstances of man or woman and thinking them more worthy than others. It is a fault or a sin to treat someone as more worthy because they are rich, a certain skin color, have political power, or are famous. Its a fault or a sin to treat someone as less because they are poor, a certain skin color, have no political power, have a disability, or are in our estimation a ‘nobody.’ That is favoritism. That is sin. James identifies it specifically in verse 4 as “evil thoughts. When we show favouritism ,we break God’s command. 1. We don’t follow His character. 2. Showing partiality reveals evil thoughts. v.4 3. Showing partiality discriminates against the poor and humble. v.5. 4. Showing partiality shows a disgraceful attitude.v6 5. Showing partiality shows foolish behaviour.v7. That is why James is pointing out that showing partiality is sin. For there is no respect of persons with God. (Rom 2: 11) For God does not show favouritism. 26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3: 26-28) Imagine in the church,a particular brethren will appeal for help in a challenging situation,the entire church will rise up, but if another believer experiences a similar challenge(probably even less) the same church will come up with excuses and church laws... disgusting, isn't it? If we can see it that way,THEN HOW MUCH MORE GOD, THE TRUE OWNER OF THE CHURCH? For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward(bribe): (Deu 10: 17) To be contd...God bless you,🙇🙏!

GOD REMAINS GOD WITHOUT YOU OR ME! 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 SYSTEMIC FAVOURITISM AND RACISM IN GOD'S CHURCH!(JAS.2:1-7) 💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁 I'm aware that I'm treading on dangerous grounds,but the Truth must be upheld at all times as Christlike believers,no matter how hard it seems. I trust the Lord to help me. You don't have to believe it,but at the same time you can't deny it that there's selective treatment in our local assemblies today which ought not to be so. If you fall positive side of it,you will see nothing wrong with it,but if you're at the negative side,the receiving end of the evils of selective treatment(like me), you will be on the same page with God's Word on this hydra headed monster. Lets see what is favoritism Personal favoritism: This word denotes partiality or biased judgment based on external circumstances, such as race, wealth, social rank, etc. It ignores the value of the individual as a person.When we see around the world for instance. American history, we see the story of how blacks and the colored are mistreated by white America.We also know of how 6 million Jews were killed by Nazis because of hatred. We see the story of Nepotism on our television screens and social media. No one can conscience free admit not knowing the pains identified with WOODY GUTHRIE'S,*DEPORTEES!* It has been sung again and again by different musicians, underlying that tragedy. Why are there groups of so-called Christians in America today called the *THE WHITE EVANGELICALS* WITHOUT A CORRESPONDING BLACK OR COLORED EVANGELICALS IN THE SAME AMERICA? Back home in my country, Nigeria,in the big pentecostal churches, it's mostly a family and tribal affair,with key relevant offices being held by the tribe or family members of the General Overseers... Isn't this favouritism occasioned by tribal racism? WHERE DOES THIS COME FROM IN THE BIBLE WE ALL READ? SOME TYPES OF FAVORITISM; 👉Nepotism: In business, hiring family members regardless of qualifications. 👉Cryonism: In business, hiring friends regardless of qualifications. 👉Gender Bias: Believing that one gender is better than the other; treating the other gender poorly. 👉Age-ism: Treating someone different because of their age… usually the very young or the very old. 👉Racism: Treating one race different than others; usually preferring one’s own race to others. I AGAIN WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT WHAT TRANSPIRES IN OUR TOP CHURCHES IN NIGERIA IS ACTUALLY *RACISM!* TRIBALISM IS RACISM IN A SECONDARY SENSE. And it didn't start today. It's the reason the God led writers of the epistles we read today condemned it. And one of such is James. In his days, there was favouritism in the church. My question for all of us is, What are believers role and responsibility on this subject of Favouritism? Let's see what James has to say; 1. My brothers, if you have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, do not take a man's position into account. 2. For if a man comes into your Synagogue in fair clothing and with a gold ring, and a poor man comes in with dirty clothing, 3. And you do honour to the man in fair clothing and say, Come here and take this good place; and you say to the poor man, Take up your position there, or be seated at my feet; 4. Is there not a division in your minds? have you not become judges with evil thoughts? 5. Give ear, my dear brothers; are not those who are poor in the things of this world marked out by God to have faith as their wealth, and for their heritage the kingdom which he has said he will give to those who have love for him? 6. But you have put the poor man to shame. Are not the men of wealth rulers over you? do they not take you by force before their judges? 7. Do they not say evil of the holy name which was given to you? (Jas 2: 1-7) *THUS, LET'S BEWARE OF FAVOURITISM* 👉1.Showing favouritism is a SIN.(1-4) Let's look at vs 9 But if you take a man's position into account, you do evil, and are judged as evil-doers by the law. (Jas 2: 9) James says as believers in our glorious Lord Christ Jesus, we should remember your identity in Christ Jesus, we are redeemed, adopted, beloved children of God, The Holy spirit is living in our hearts. He means as believers and as children of God, we should not show favouritism to anyone. If Christ Jesus does not condemn you, if God does not show you partiality, if God does not judge you, who are we to show partiality, who are we to condemn. That's why James said we should not show partiality. James uses the word “favoritism.” The word means “respecter of persons” or to “show partiality.” James is talking about the fault of giving judgment to the outward circumstances of man or woman and thinking them more worthy than others. It is a fault or a sin to treat someone as more worthy because they are rich, a certain skin color, have political power, or are famous. Its a fault or a sin to treat someone as less because they are poor, a certain skin color, have no political power, have a disability, or are in our estimation a ‘nobody.’ That is favoritism. That is sin. James identifies it specifically in verse 4 as “evil thoughts. When we show favouritism ,we break God’s command. 1. We don’t follow His character. 2. Showing partiality reveals evil thoughts. v.4 3. Showing partiality discriminates against the poor and humble. v.5. 4. Showing partiality shows a disgraceful attitude.v6 5. Showing partiality shows foolish behaviour.v7. That is why James is pointing out that showing partiality is sin. For there is no respect of persons with God. (Rom 2: 11) For God does not show favouritism. 26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3: 26-28) Imagine in the church,a particular brethren will appeal for help in a challenging situation,the entire church will rise up, but if another believer experiences a similar challenge(probably even less) the same church will come up with excuses and church laws... disgusting, isn't it? If we can see it that way,THEN HOW MUCH MORE GOD, THE TRUE OWNER OF THE CHURCH? For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward(bribe): (Deu 10: 17) To be contd...God bless you,🙇🙏!GOD REMAINS GOD WITHOUT YOU OR ME! 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 SYSTEMIC FAVOURITISM AND RACISM IN GOD'S CHURCH!(JAS.2:1-7) 💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁💁 I'm aware that I'm treading on dangerous grounds,but the Truth must be upheld at all times as Christlike believers,no matter how hard it seems. I trust the Lord to help me. You don't have to believe it,but at the same time you can't deny it that there's selective treatment in our local assemblies today which ought not to be so. If you fall positive side of it,you will see nothing wrong with it,but if you're at the negative side,the receiving end of the evils of selective treatment(like me), you will be on the same page with God's Word on this hydra headed monster. Lets see what is favoritism Personal favoritism: This word denotes partiality or biased judgment based on external circumstances, such as race, wealth, social rank, etc. It ignores the value of the individual as a person.When we see around the world for instance. American history, we see the story of how blacks and the colored are mistreated by white America.We also know of how 6 million Jews were killed by Nazis because of hatred. We see the story of Nepotism on our television screens and social media. No one can conscience free admit not knowing the pains identified with WOODY GUTHRIE'S,*DEPORTEES!* It has been sung again and again by different musicians, underlying that tragedy. Why are there groups of so-called Christians in America today called the *THE WHITE EVANGELICALS* WITHOUT A CORRESPONDING BLACK OR COLORED EVANGELICALS IN THE SAME AMERICA? Back home in my country, Nigeria,in the big pentecostal churches, it's mostly a family and tribal affair,with key relevant offices being held by the tribe or family members of the General Overseers... Isn't this favouritism occasioned by tribal racism? WHERE DOES THIS COME FROM IN THE BIBLE WE ALL READ? SOME TYPES OF FAVORITISM; 👉Nepotism: In business, hiring family members regardless of qualifications. 👉Cryonism: In business, hiring friends regardless of qualifications. 👉Gender Bias: Believing that one gender is better than the other; treating the other gender poorly. 👉Age-ism: Treating someone different because of their age… usually the very young or the very old. 👉Racism: Treating one race different than others; usually preferring one’s own race to others. I AGAIN WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT WHAT TRANSPIRES IN OUR TOP CHURCHES IN NIGERIA IS ACTUALLY *RACISM!* TRIBALISM IS RACISM IN A SECONDARY SENSE. And it didn't start today. It's the reason the God led writers of the epistles we read today condemned it. And one of such is James. In his days, there was favouritism in the church. My question for all of us is, What are believers role and responsibility on this subject of Favouritism? Let's see what James has to say; 1. My brothers, if you have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, do not take a man's position into account. 2. For if a man comes into your Synagogue in fair clothing and with a gold ring, and a poor man comes in with dirty clothing, 3. And you do honour to the man in fair clothing and say, Come here and take this good place; and you say to the poor man, Take up your position there, or be seated at my feet; 4. Is there not a division in your minds? have you not become judges with evil thoughts? 5. Give ear, my dear brothers; are not those who are poor in the things of this world marked out by God to have faith as their wealth, and for their heritage the kingdom which he has said he will give to those who have love for him? 6. But you have put the poor man to shame. Are not the men of wealth rulers over you? do they not take you by force before their judges? 7. Do they not say evil of the holy name which was given to you? (Jas 2: 1-7) *THUS, LET'S BEWARE OF FAVOURITISM* 👉1.Showing favouritism is a SIN.(1-4) Let's look at vs 9 But if you take a man's position into account, you do evil, and are judged as evil-doers by the law. (Jas 2: 9) James says as believers in our glorious Lord Christ Jesus, we should remember your identity in Christ Jesus, we are redeemed, adopted, beloved children of God, The Holy spirit is living in our hearts. He means as believers and as children of God, we should not show favouritism to anyone. If Christ Jesus does not condemn you, if God does not show you partiality, if God does not judge you, who are we to show partiality, who are we to condemn. That's why James said we should not show partiality. James uses the word “favoritism.” The word means “respecter of persons” or to “show partiality.” James is talking about the fault of giving judgment to the outward circumstances of man or woman and thinking them more worthy than others. It is a fault or a sin to treat someone as more worthy because they are rich, a certain skin color, have political power, or are famous. Its a fault or a sin to treat someone as less because they are poor, a certain skin color, have no political power, have a disability, or are in our estimation a ‘nobody.’ That is favoritism. That is sin. James identifies it specifically in verse 4 as “evil thoughts. When we show favouritism ,we break God’s command. 1. We don’t follow His character. 2. Showing partiality reveals evil thoughts. v.4 3. Showing partiality discriminates against the poor and humble. v.5. 4. Showing partiality shows a disgraceful attitude.v6 5. Showing partiality shows foolish behaviour.v7. That is why James is pointing out that showing partiality is sin. For there is no respect of persons with God. (Rom 2: 11) For God does not show favouritism. 26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3: 26-28) Imagine in the church,a particular brethren will appeal for help in a challenging situation,the entire church will rise up, but if another believer experiences a similar challenge(probably even less) the same church will come up with excuses and church laws... disgusting, isn't it? If we can see it that way,THEN HOW MUCH MORE GOD, THE TRUE OWNER OF THE CHURCH? For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward(bribe): (Deu 10: 17) To be contd...God bless you,🙇🙏!

JUST A MINUTE, PLEASE! [THE PREACHER'S CORNER] 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 GROWING GOD'S CHURCH WITHOUT GOD(THE NARROW WAY) 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 I think it's okay to begin this journey by asking ourselves a question; And the question is this, *ARE WE NOT BOTHERED OR WANDERING WHY OUR CHURCHES ARE FULL OF PEOPLE , BUT OUR STREETS ARE EMPTY OF THE CHARACTER OF GOD? Why do we have this situation? It's obviously because we have had church growth but, again obviously, not a very healthy one. The passage of time have not changed God’s principle of a healthy church growth, laid by our Lord Christ Jesus Himself which simply says ‘if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself’ (John 12:32). It is pertinent to know that we can choose to draw men to church using earthly methods such as aggressive adverts, bus services, multiple activities, packaging, lights, smoke machines, sounds and famous music ministers. All such pseudo drawings have no eternal impact on the hearts of men except the Life, Spirit and Power of Christ Jesus is released in such meetings. Even our eloquent(motivational) preachings will further deaden the already dying souls of our congregations for the letter kills and only the Spirit give life. A man who must be used to accomplish accurate labour for the kingdom must be on the constant decrease for ChriJesus to increase. As Christ Jesus increases in our soul life, so the divine life increases in the church, qualitatively and quantitatively. Little wonder, multitudes followed Christ Jesus. They will still follow Him today if He can be sufficiently seen through us. Let's stress here that SIZE is not the only issue when determining whether a church is dying or thriving. Yes, in many cases a “growing church” will be having more adherents whereas a “dying church” likely will have more people leaving than coming in. These comparisons are hyperbolic as regard man's present vision of *Church!* Having said that, there are many, many small churches with less than 50 members but where congregants are faithful and give financially and of their time. These small churches may take care of one another in some pretty incredible ways following the Biblical injunction of “loving one another deeply. But conversely, there are some megachurches that while boasting of over 5,000 members, are very weak in sound and Biblical doctrines,in terms of their commitment to each other. In these churches a pastor may seldom be seen and rarely heard from. Protocol officers(that are actually bodyguards,) make the pastor a "deity!" Individuals may attend for a sense of “hype” but actually receive very little spiritual nourishment. It is for this reason that I would like to define a GROWING church as one that has potential to reach out to many and is giving adequate resources and support to its congregants; whereas a DYING church is one incredibly inward focussed without making an effort to connect to its members on a personal level or to the community on a wider level. However,the Church that grows with Only God and His Undiluted Word as Its Primary focus comes at a great cost; 👉It comes at the cost of death(carnal death.) 👉Death to worldly Fame. 👉Death to worldly wealth. 👉Death to the cares of this world. 👉Death to worldly ambition even in kingdom pursuit. 👉And leading a life of constant brokeness, deep prayers, meditation, scripture soaking, faith and an undying passion for people’s eternal destination. The fearful fact is that a CHURCH can GROW WITHOUT GOD; the towel of Babel grew to high heaven without the approval, life and power of God. Just that it will be a worldly crowd winding up with Satan’s version of the faith-worldly Christianity. A version that most of us modern ministers are okay by as long as we have ‘results’ in the eyes of men and are seen not to be failing. IT'S MY SINCERE PRAYER AND HOPE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL INTERVENE TO CORRECT THE ANOMALIES IN HIS CHURCH,IN CHRIST JESUS' NAME I PRAY, AMEN 🙇🙏!

LIVING IN HIS WORD IN THE WORLD(JN.1:1-12) 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 BITTERNESS AS A SATANIC HINDRANCE TO GOD'S CHURCH! [HEB.12:15] 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. [Hebrews 12:15] One of the greatest battles I still fight in my life is bitterness...and I'm not exaggerating. And we do know that, in most of our studies,my life's experiences almost always get involved having seen both sides of life practically,with the negative side highly dominating the positive. So, again, I can say I've some authority in it. Bitterness is a great danger to an effective ministry,no matter how you look at it. Bitterness is like a poison concoction that stays in the blood. We must rid ourselves of bitterness before it is too late. I believe bitterness comes into our lives in a predictable pattern. No one is immune from the danger of bitterness. However, the good news is that every believer in Christ Jesus can be free. When you know the pattern of bitterness you can work more effectively to destroy this stronghold before it takes root. Till date, I'm personally having a hard time trying to uproot this cancerous virus, because I gave it room to thrive. God will give me victory. 👉 BITTERNESS HAS A PREDICTABLE PATTERN! 💥A wound. Bitterness usually begins like an infection that enters the body through a wound. The wound may be small. However, an untreated wound can have devastating effects. A critical word, a heated argument, a misunderstanding, an injustice, a betrayal,(BEING MISINTERPRETED BY THOSE YOU FELT SHOULD KNOW AND UNDERSTAND YOU)or some type of abuse are all ample opportunities to be wounded. Wounds can come from a parent, child, spouse, friend, or GROUP IN THE CHURCH. Some are wounded by situations they cannot control or change. The types of wounds people experience are as numerous as grains of sand on the beach. Wounds come in all shapes and sizes. Anyone(especially emotional ones like me,eg) can get wounded easily. It's a demonic influence we need to confront heads on. Convincing ourselves that all is well is never an option. AN IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE ABOUT WOUNDS IS THAT THEY CAN BE REAL OR IMAGINED. Sometimes we get wounded by something someone did or said. Other times, we get wounded by what we “think” someone said or did. Our imaginations can get carried away with this type of speculation. IT'S DANGEROUS TO ASSUME WE KNOW THE INWARD MOTIVATIONS OF OTHERS.(I've this problem,and by His Grace and Mercy, I'm getting out) 💥Disappointment. When a wound is not dealt with properly disappointment follows. It is the next pitstop on the road towards bitterness. Disappointment can come when we feel that we have been let down, betrayed(especially by trusted ones), or defeated. Those are common feelings when you have been wounded. These type of feelings can be directed toward others, a specific situation, or disastrously even God. The idea that we can feel disappointed in God makes many of us uncomfortable. (I don’t even like typing that statement). There is no justifiable reason to be disappointed in God. Nevertheless, this can happen because we are sinful creatures who are prone to wander. Like when,those we had expected to put up a fight for us behind our backs didn't but remained silent. We sentenced them in absentia(not bothering to understand why,) and we are often eventually wrong at the end. 💥Anger. The next stop on the road to bitterness is anger. God's Word says this; Be not quick to let your spirit be angry; because wrath is in the heart of the foolish. (Ecc 7: 9) YOU SEE,ALL I'M DISCUSSING HERE IS *ME* PRESENTING MYSELF AS A SUPER CHRISTIAN CAN ONLY DROWN ME FURTHER...I WANT US TO UNDERSTAND THIS AND FIGHT IT WITH FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD. In the Bible, "a fool" means a sinner(an unbeliever.) Thus, anger dwells in "sinners," and we definitely don't want to be sinners, except we don't have eternal life in view. Anger is the result of allowing disappointment to fester in our hearts. This untreated ailment begins to stir our passions and emotions. When a person allows anger to brew in their lives, the effects will be apparent. It can be seen in their attitude, negativity, sharp words, irritability, or a lack of peace and joy. The bottom line is this: an angry heart manifests itself in some way. 💥Unforgiveness. If left unchecked, anger opens the door to unforgiveness. How do we know if we are harboring unforgiveness? Here are a few questions to ask yourself: Does a person’s name cause your stomach to tighten? When thinking about a specific situation (or conversation) does your joy evaporate? Do you secretly wish for vindication or retribution? Do you long for the day when those who hurt you experience the pain you have experienced? These are a few clues that unforgiveness is lurking in your heart. EVEN, PERSONALLY, I'M YET TO FULLY FORGIVE MYSELF FOR THE PAINS MY PAST LIFE IS CAUSING MY FAMILY, DESPITE THE AWARENESS GOD HAS FORGIVEN ME LONG AGO...BUT WHEN I SEE WHAT THEY'RE PASSING THROUGH,I SILENTLY "CURSE" MYSELF FOR RAISING A FAMILY...IT ISN'T A JOKING MATTER...I REALLY ONLY CAN THANK GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY SPEAKING FOR ME...THE ONLY REASON I'VE SURVIVED MANY SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS. You see,when some of teach God's Word, we tend to present the journey as easy, without letting them know our own personal devils we fight in order to do what God has called us to do. It's the reason I am never ashamed of using my life's experiences, though they may sound mainly negative,but that doesn't mean I don't know the God I serve is more than able to beautify my life at His Own Timing(Ecc.3:11) and this; O how deep is the wealth of the wisdom and knowledge of God! no one is able to make discovery of his decisions, and his ways may not be searched out. (Rom 11: 33) As followers of Christ Jesus, we are called to extend lavish amounts of grace and forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is unlimited; the forgiveness we show others should be the same (cf Matt 18:21-22). Are our thoughts about the person that hurt us marked by an attitude of extending grace and peace? Are we free to choose to love, bless, and wish this person the best? Or, do we secretly hope our offender experiences the same pain we have experienced? Forgiveness is all about grace and mercy. Unforgiveness is all about the details, hurts, and wrongs. 💥Bitterness. When a person is bitter they focus on the wrongs of others, while oblivious to their own sin. Those who are bitter can recall conversations, words, and details about the people or events that hurt them. Bitterness remembers the details. A bitter person will rationalize their own innocence while condemning the one(s) who hurt them. A bitter person may in fact be the victim to a horrible injustice. However, allowing the injury of that wrong to remain unhealed is dangerous. A bitter person is tormented and abused by the past. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT NO FOLLOWER OF CHRIST JESUS HAS TO BE BITTER. NO MATTER THE OFFENSE, PAIN, OR INJUSTICE, YOU CAN EXPERIENCE HEALING. Bitterness can be difficult to diagnose in our own lives because it distorts our perception and skews the way we look at things. I had a bitterness problem long before I realized what was going on. In fact, I suspect, many people in ministry struggle with bitterness. We serve on the frontlines of spiritual battles. Not everyone outside (or inside) the church likes to see people working to advance the gospel. Pastors, pastors’ wives, and ministry leaders can find themselves under attack. So, we must be careful to keep ourselves free from even a hint of bitterness. Bitterness can be difficult to diagnose in our own lives because it distorts our perception and skews the way we look at things. We can be bitter while claiming “I’m not bitter! How could you say that?” We can tell ourselves we have forgiven someone while still allowing resentment to fester and build. Allowing bitterness to remain in your life will plunge you further and further away from the liberty and freedom of Christ Jesus. It will harden, break, and destroy the good in your life. Bitterness erodes optimism, shatters joy, and kills our ability to love others well. A bitter person goes through life with a heart that does not fully function. They live in a land of spiritual poverty while those around them drown. Again, the good news is that no one has to be bitter! Christ Jesus offers the power to stop bitterness before it starts and heal wounded hearts no matter how great the offense. Forgiveness is the key. Part of Christ Jesus’ coming into the world was to “destroy the works of the devil,” (see 1 John 3:8b). Bitterness is a work of our flesh that the devil loves to exploit. Christ Jesus came so that we could be truly free! Dear Church of God and fellow brethrens, difficult as it seems,we can rid us off the cancerous virus called Bitterness by surrendering our hurts and pains to Christ Jesus. He only can fix us,Amen!🙇🙏!