Category: Uncategorized

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

To correct is to make right or set in order what has gone wrong. It’s about showing right as differentiated from wrong. We are all prone to error one way or another, and therefore all of us need to be corrected. Correction has a basis, a standard of what is generally considered right. Since God’s word is flawless, being the truth from God Who does not lie, it forms the basis of any meaningful correction for right living. Good national laws are derived from principles of Scripture whether indicated so it not.

Satan is a liar, and operates on deception. Even the truth of Scripture he may bring out is distorted to suit his interests of diverting people from God as he wanted to do to Jesus. This is the root and basis of all errors, some of which come in God’s name! It is therefore of paramount importance that we get the truth of God’s word richly dwelling in us so as to escape the lies and deception of Satan, the god of this wicked world. The word, richly dwelling in us, keeps correcting the mistakes we make and lies we encounter daily in life as it shows us the right way.

Whoever rejects correction of Scripture and insists on their own way rejects God. The wise man said fools are always right in their own eyes! (Prov 12:15). God’s aim of correction is to bring us back and keep us on the right truck and so avoid falling into error and eventual destruction if we harden our hearts. As you read or listen to the word of God rightly interpreted and applied, allow it in humility, to correct your ways.

Hebrews 12:5-6 “Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his sons and daughters? “My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you,   and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you. Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves,     and punishes everyone he accepts as his child.””

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Everything is valued according to its own worth. Cheap things attract less value. Special and precious  things are costly. And this goes for the way they are handled. About our value, the Bible says, _”Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have recieved from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)._ Our Creator values us so highly that He was willing to pay the highest price ever to redeem us to Himself. He gave the best to redeem His best; Jesus His Son! And Jesus laid down His life to safe us. Our value cannot be measured with silver or gold or any form of matetoal wealth in this world. It can only be measured by the value of the shed blood and the life of Jesus, the price paid for us. We are simply priceless! We are God’s master piece, precious children of God!_”For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)._ Your worth is not, and should never be in terms of any material wealth or possessions of this life (money, cars, clothes, lands, buildings, fame, etc),  however much one acquires them. These things don’t define your worth in the sight of God your Father. With or without them, you are valued. Every time you seek to define your worth before God in terms of these things, you stoop too low and demean yourself. To the rich young man, Jesus’ counsel was that a man’s life doesn’t consist in the abundance of things, but a riches towards God (Luke 12:15). You are His own. You are precious to God!Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” – NIV

Every believer in Christ has the blessed assurance that beyond this life, we shall see our Lord face to face in glory. Jesus said he will return in great glory and power. Those not in him will mourn in terror. To those in him, it will be joy unimaginable. We experience bits of this glory in this life. But in that time it will be in its fullness. Nothing will compare with it. It will be far greater than all the splendor of the world combined. How I look forward to that day!

While we look forward to this glorious union with the Lord, we press on. Many are the forces on the way to derail and dissuade us from the narrow path. But let’s have our minds made up not to turn back till we see him face to face, as we recieve that glorious welcome into our heavenly heritage. We will be glad we held on to the faith, going through pains and tears, sowing seed of his word, standing for him, defending the faith, enduring ridicule, serving the Lord.

Let’s look unto Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith who endured much for the joy that lay ahead of him. Let’s forget the past, and strain toward what lies ahead. That glory will make us faithfully go all the way till we see him. Cheer up child of God! It won’t be long before he comes. And so shall we ever be with the Lord! Look up, for your salvation draws nearer than ever.

Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

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

Not only do the Scriptures teach to inform and acquire knowledge, rebuke what is bad and correct the wrongs, it is also an indispensable training tool in righteous living. Training is about imparting skills to enable performance of expected duties, roles and responsibilities. It also assumes the person is not equipped or is ill equipped to do what is required of them. When we are saved from the worldly system, training through discipleship is important to fit into God’s kingdom.

Every Bible based training, whichever way it takes, should lead to establishment in righteousness. It should make a person live, think, speak and act like Christ. The world system, under its god, trains people differently, some to promote, downplay or conceal evil even if it comes sugar coated in God’s name. The training God’s word gives leads to righteousness always. That’s one prove as to whether a training is God centred or not; the fruit of righteousness.

The teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness is given to the servant of God to do every good work. All these aspects of the working of the Scriptures in a person equip him for the work of God. It’s unfortunate how some who are in God’s service have edged out the word which is very central to their work. Outside the Scriptures, ministry becomes something else! Allow the Word to train you in righteousness and in God’s will for living and service.

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

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.”_ NLTApostle 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

Psalm 3:1-3 Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” – NIV

The psalms are free and honest expressions of the heart to God. God encourages us to be free as we pour out what’s within to Him. Here, David acknowledges before God how many were against him, speaking ill of him and downplaying his trust in God. That’s what others said. But David reaffirmed who God was to him despite what others said; a shield around him, his glory and the lifter of his head.

People will always say what they think and wish about us. Some are out of good motives, and others out of evil intentions. But what we know and believe about the faithfulness of God to us matters most. It should be settled in us that God is our shield of protection all around, our glory and lifter of our heads. A bowed head depicts shame, defeat, hopelessness and lack of confidence. When God lifts our heads, He is giving us assurance of His protection, glory and presence.

The opinions and comments of others can drain confidence and strength out of us. Many have been crushed and given up on life because of what they heard. As we acknowledge God, He takes away shame, brightens our face and we face life confidently despite those who hate and don’t wish us well. He makes us walk with our heads high and enjoy life under His unfailing care and love as we trust Him. May He lift your bowed head and cheer you up!

Psalm 27:1-3 “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes  who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

John 3:19-21 “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” – NIV

Jesus was responding to Nichodemus in his dilemma of what it means to be born again. He is the light and truth of the world. But people still reject the light and truth because they prefer to continue in their evil ways. This is a key reason behind people refusing to come to God and walk in the light. They may claim to be free outside God, but in reality, they are in bondage to their evil ways.

No one does what is evidently evil openly and freely except for those who have killed their conscience over time. It’s the reason evil is hatched in secret and in the cover of darkness. Because the conscience is accusing the person, they try to run away from the truth by hiding evil. And that is futile. There is no greater slavery than to one’s conscience. You cant run away from it. It’s always with you. But if one is walking in the light and truth, there is no shame or need to hide or cover up things. Truth liberates and puts us at ease.

Jesus is the truth. All in Him are set free from the accusing conscience. Many are living in so much internal torment unknown to those around them. They cover up these feelings with artificial smiles, much activity, doing good works, but still not free within. The remedy is to come God as you are, allow Him cleanse your evil ways, so that you are truly free both within in your conscience and externally. There will be no fear.

John 8:32 “…Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Matthew 26:52-54 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”_ – NIV When Peter drew his sword to fight the arresters of Jesus, Jesus quickly told him to put it back. It was not time to fight back. And the use of the sword was not the way to fight back. Humanly and logically speaking, Peter felt duty bound to defend his Master. But Jesus brings another perspective to it. He had ability to call for twelve legions of angels to come and fight for Him. But He couldn’t because what was happening was in fulfillment of the Scriptures.There are things that happen to us and in the world to fulfill what God has decreed in His Word long before they happen. Our human wisdom will want to find ways out. At such moments, resisting these things is resisting God’s will. This requires that we get to understand that what is happening has been allowed by God in fulfillment of His Word. In that case, we yield to His will. It also requires identifying masquerading satanic forces taking advantage which should be resisted and fought. So true and final is God’s predetermined purpose and will that the best we can do is align with it. Jesus throughout His life knew and submitted to it. Our ignorance of God’s Word and ways can be a set back in life and spiritual warfare. We end up fighting battles we shouldn’t, or reacting when we should be holding our peace, and letting God have His way. Many times it may go against common logic, but in the end it will proof to be the right way. He is God!_Matthew 22:29 “Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”__John 19:28 “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”_Shalom children of God.

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

“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.” Isaiah 55:6-7 (NLT)

There is a tendency for many people to take easy or postpone certain actions and decisions with a feeling that there is still time. Because of this, 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. There are many people who look back with much regrets 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, call while He is near. This call will not be so forever. A time comes when it’s not 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; “… Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgement.” Psalm 32:5-6 (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 (NLT)

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.