Category: Uncategorized

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” – NIV

We all want to be sure that what we believe or proclaim for others to believe is truth we are convinced about. John starts his letter by affirming that the gospel message about Jesus they are preaching is not hear say. They saw Jesus, talked with Him, sat with and touched Him. They were therefore first hand witnesses that truly Jesus is real, and is the light, Who gives eternal life. On the basis of this credible witness, we too can believe.

This letter was written to counter many false teachings that sought to deny the deity of Jesus and His physical appearance. Over the years, this deception would get worse and heretics would use it to water down the authenticity of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as a myth. But the gospel is not a myth, but real.

To date we proclaim the same gospel that Jesus is the light, the Word of life, and Savior. Because He lives, He still saves, gives eternal life to those who believe in Him. Because He lives, each of us can have first hand experience with Him today through forgiveness of sin, healing touch and saving experience. The gospel we proclaim is authentic, because Jesus is still alive.

Romans 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 16:8-11 “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”_ – NIV To the none believer in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit is to convict about sin, their need to find the righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus, and the fact that judgement will follow for those who reject this offer of salvation from sin through Jesus Christ. Conviction is that deep inner voice within a person, showing them what is right or wrong and what they need to do about it. Every human being gets this conviction within them, especially as they hear the gospel preached. What they do about it is dependent on them in exercise of the freedom of will and choice God gave man.Those who obey that conviction of the Holy Spirit feel remorseful about their sins and come to God in repentance. The Spirit does not convict to condemn, but to correct our ways and bring us to God. This is what leads to conversion of the sinner, enabling them come to Christ to recieve salvation. Those who reject this conviction only harden their hearts more and more. Every preaching of the gospel is used by the Holy Spirit to bring people to that point of decision for Christ or rejecting Him.To the believer, the Holy Spirit uses the word to correct, rebuke, teach and train (2 Tim 3:16). When we make mistakes, He brings us back to the right way through repentance. Again, the conviction is not to condemn, but to correct, to discipline so that we are fully walking by the way pleasing to God. Some still disobey and harden their hearts to this work of the Spirit. But we are urged not to harden our hearts when He convicts us. To those who continuously and outrightly reject Him, judgment will be inevitable. _Hebrews 3:7-8,15 “So then, as the Holy Spirit says: “If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God, as they were that day in the desert when they put him to the test… This is what the scripture says: “If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were     when they rebelled against God.”_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

• 

1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – NIV

The Bible severally teaches that those who want to follow Christ come out of the world, desist from the worldly ways and live for God. John in the above text speaks against loving the world and all in it. What then is the ‘world’ we are warned against, and to flee from.

The world is a system, a way of doing things, governed by certain principles and beliefs which are usually contrary to God’s will and principles. This is different from the world as creation which we are to love and protect. Characteristic of the world system we are not to love is the lusts of the body, lust of the eyes and pride of life. These are sensual feelings which drive people to plan and do evil, get whatever their eyes admire without self control and boast about what they have achieved while despising others. Such a worldly system is driven by the devil. That’s not how God the Father and His kingdom works.

Anyone who loves and enjoys such a wicked worldly system clearly doesn’t have God’s love which hates evil. The temporary worldly pleasures will pass away with those who love it. But doing God’s will by resisting the world, has assurance that one will live forever in peace. The devil is behind the worldly evil system. He encourages indulgence without limit in the name of freedom, and yet enslaving people and driving them away from God. Choose Christ, resist the devil and the world and live for God’s will.

John 7:7 “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.”
John 12:31 “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Romans 8:13-16 “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”_- NIV Paul brought another aspect of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He helps us to subdue the flesh and put to death its misdeeds. After that, we are led by the Spirit and no longer by the bodily desires contrary to God’s ways. The Spirit also gives us the assurance that we are God’s children after one is born again. Because salvation is a spiritual matter, it can be difficult to understand it logically with the human mind just as Nichodemus was totally perplexed when Jesus told him to be born again. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand and actualize it.The Holy Spirit enables our new birth into God’s kingdom and our adoption as sons of God. And if sons, we enjoy the liberty, authority and privileges of sonship. This includes the closeness with God whom we can now address as ‘Abba, Father.’ In Christ, God is our Father, and we have access to Him at any one time of day or night. We should have no more fear to approach God. He dearly loves us as His own. He invites us into His presence for communion without restrictions whatsoever. Hallelujah!Sonship also entitles us to God’s blessings and inheritance as heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. In the same way, we are a reflection of our Father to the world. We carry His nature, manifest His character by the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and exercise His authority and power to execute His will and purposes on earth. These are the rights and privileges God Almighty has given those called by His name! What a wonder! What a mystery!_Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”__John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—”_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Isaiah 55:6-7 “Seek the LORD while you can find him.  Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” – NLT

Many people tend to trivialize, postpone, ignore or reject certain actions and decisions with a feeling that there is still time. In the end, many opportunities are lost, remorseful regrets experienced later in life, and destinies affected, some of them eternally! This is true in every aspect of life, our relationship with God inclusive. Many along the way look back with much regret at lost chances. Worse still, will be the eternal regret for those who are now postponing, or ignoring their commitment to God!

God still pleads with us to seek Him while He can be found, to call on Him while He is near. This call will not be so forever. A time comes when it will not be possible to call or seek and find Him any more! Even those in God who keep disobeying or postponing what God tells them to do in His service, should rethink their ways. Hear what David said in Psalm 32:6 “… Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgement.” NLT

Apostle Paul wrote about the same; “As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (ÑLT)

And Jesus, about the irresponsible unprepared virgins at His coming, had this to say; “… Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.” (Matthew 25:10)

So, while there is still time and opportunity to give your life to Jesus, be reconciled, and start a relationship with God, and to serve Him, make use of it NOW. One day, it will not be there. It will be too late!

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…”_ – NIV To the believers in the church of Ephesus for whom Paul was thankful, he realised there was alot more they needed to know about God and their relationship with Him. To achieve this, Paul prayed for two things; that they would receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, and for enlightenment of their inner eyes of the spirit. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and revelation, and enlightens our understanding of the deep things of God. Once this happened, they would know God better, understand the hope they have been called to, the glorious inheritance that belongs to them in Christ, and the immeasurable power of God at work in them. That’s the same power that resurrected Jesus from death. There are so many believers with a very shallow knowledge of the God they have believed. They have no idea what glorious hope awaits them, and what great power resides in them. That’s why many give up.The Holy Spirit reveals these things to us. Once we understand, nothing can shake us from the faith. We can exercise the power of the Lord against all forms demonic forces, and our hope will firmly establish us in the Lord. There is so much God has for those in Him. The reason some get shaken and abandon their walk with God for temporary pleasures is that they have not known the treasures of their relationship with God. Only corporate with the Holy Spirit and He will reveal these to you. After that, the treasurs and glories of this world will be nothing in comparison. _Philippians 3:7-8 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ…”__1 Corinthians 2:9-10 “However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen,  what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Timothy 3:16-17″All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – NIV

Paul was teaching about characteristics of people in the end times. He asked Timothy to trust the teachings he got from him, knowing what kind of person he was. One of Timothy’s advantage was that he had been introduced to the Scriptures early in his life, making him wise towards salvation. It is a lesson for parents and adults to introduce children early to the word of God.

All Scripture was given by divine inspiration for the purpose of teaching, rebuking, correcting and training. To teach is to instruct, inform, guide and impart knowledge. How that knowledge is used thereafter depends on the student. The Scriptures teach us about life, how to and how not to live it. There is nothing in life that the scriptures do not give guiding principles on how to approach, because God is concerned about all aspects of life. As you hear, read, study and meditate on it, relate the word to daily living.

We all need to be taught, because we don’t know everything in this life. Because God is the Author and Giver of life, He has a way He wants us to live it for our satisfaction and to His glory. The word of God will teach us His ways so that we please Him in every way. When we hear it, let’s be willing to be taught and learn, and above all to apply what we learn to our lives. The Holy Spirit is present to help us live according to God’s instructions.

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet,  a light on my path.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”_ – NIV The current worldly system is under the influence of Satan, the god of this present age. Paul notes that one of the key things Satan does is to prevent people from understanding and believing the gospel. He blinds their minds so that they cannot see the light of the gospel and so believe. This is what makes people reject the gospel, its truth, justice and righteousness, and instead accept lies, dishonesty and all sorts of evil.Satan being the god of the worldly system has his principles of engagement and operation. Except for openly satanic ways, most of these worldly patterns are part of ordinary life activities and relationships but demonically influenced. Many, including believers, don’t even realise that what they are engaged in is of the enemy the devil. And that is how the gospel gets veiled and rejected by those who are perishing.The subtle working of the devil behind these worldly systems requires discernment and spiritual warfare. We wage war against these powers of evil influencing people to do evil. And the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to defeat all demonic forces and bringing people under the influence of the Holy Spirit to believe and accept Christ, do good and bring glory to God. Our prayer then is against demonic forces and schemes blinding people from God. We are not fighting with human beings, but spirits behind them. _Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

2 Timothy 3:16-17″All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – NIV

In addition to teaching, the Scriptures rebuke our wrong ways; thoughts, words and actions. It expresses the mind of God who disapproves of certain things we do which are not right. Rebukes are not nice. They undress and ashame us, come out sharply and forthrightly in no uncertain terms. It offends some people, but delights those who are willing to learn and transform.

As God’s word comes forth sharply through personal study or as preached by others, pay attention to the rebukes as well. Many only expect the nice promises, exciting declarations of blessings, but don’t enjoy the tough rebukes. If we are to be what God wants us to be, painfully accept and appreciate when God’s word rebukes you. It is for your good.

One manifestation of avoiding rebukes is selective reading of Scripture, only focusing on what is nice and exciting and deliberately avoiding the hard stuff or quickly diverting it to others. That’s not helpful. Rebukes are part of healthy growth. You will do well to graciously accept them because they come in love and meant for your good.

Revelation 3:19 “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”_The Corinthian church had alot of challenges, among them was division. They each claimed to follow different people; Paul, Peter, Appolos or Jesus. Paul described them as worldly with such divisions. The only foundation of salvation is Christ Jesus. All we can do is build on that foundation of Jesus figuratively using different materials of gold, silver, stones, wood, hay or straw. Fire will test our works.Paul refers to the Day of judgment in which our works will be tested to prove their quality. We are all builders in the service of God one way or another. The difference is in the materials we are using. The gold, silver, costly stones which stand the fire represent quality works. The wood, hay and straw represent poor quality works which will be burnt up. But the person will be saved. How are we building on the foundation? Some are preaching the gospel and serving with wrong motives, to build their names, as a means of financial gain, to outwit others, for fame, etc. That’s building using straw or hay which will burn up. Others are serving to truly honor God, glorify Him and lead people to Him as guided by God’s kind of love. Some may pretend to be serving God, and yet with hidden motives. Some are genuine. Whatever the case, the nature and quality of all our works will be revealed by fire on the Day we appear before God. It’s better to examine oneself early ensure you are using quality materials to build._Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”__Revelation 22:12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”_Shalom children of God.