JESUS CHRIST: THE JOY OF KINGDOM PEOPLE

TEXT: LUKE 1-2

HYMN: - BAPTIST HYMNAL 65
"Joy to the World the Lord is Come"

INTRODUCTION: -
The word "joy" has been defined as "feelings of great happiness or pleasure, especially of an elevated or spiritual kind." One of the obvious things from this definition is that the feeling or experience of joy goes beyond natural or ordinary phenomenon. This is what differentiates joy from happiness. In actual fact, joy is the highest form of happiness. While the latter is often occasioned by mundane things, the latter requires more than that, especially for it to be sustained.

It is gratifying to note that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is not only interested in blessing us with happiness, but He is much interested in filling our hearts with joy – the highest form of happiness. In fact, His birth ushered in good news of great joy (see Luke 2:10). The joy that our Lord gives to the Kingdom People is unique. This is clearly evident from the accounts of His birth as recorded in the Gospels. Let us briefly consider five features of the joy that our Lord gives us – the Kingdom People – most especially, as we look forward to celebrating His birth this month.

*Overwhelming Joy. The joy that Jesus Christ gives to us is capable of overwhelming every form of impossibility in our lives and families. This was made known to the Virgin Mary. After Mary had asked how it could be possible for her to conceive without meeting a man, Angel Gabriel told her that the overshadowing power of the Holy Spirit will come upon her and turn impossibility to possibility (see Luke 1:35). When we are visited by the power of God, we receive the joy that overwhelms every negative and contradicting issue in our lives and families.

*Restoring Joy. It is likely that Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up the hope of having their own biological children. However, when they were visited by the good news of great joy, their hope of becoming parents were rekindled (see Luke 1:57-66). As we experience this joy afresh this season, all lost hopes will be restored in Jesus' name.

*Locating Joy. The shepherds were located out in the fields with the good news of great joy (see Luke 2:8ff). The joy that the Lord gives locates the Kingdom People. Relax; your joy is on the way.

*Fulfilling Joy. Simeon and Anna had their share of joy as they encountered Jesus Christ in the Temple the day He was first presented. Their dreams of seeing the Messiah were fulfilled (see Luke 2:25ff, 36ff).

*Lasting Joy. From the song of Mary in Luke 1:46-55, we are made to understand that the joy that the Lord gives is a lasting one – it extends from generation to generation. The joy from the Lord cannot be short-lived.

CONCLUSION: - Kingdom People! Brace up and position yourselves to receive the joy of the Lord. It is the joy that is overwhelming, restoring, locating, fulfilling, and lasting. Shalom.

Rev. Sola Idowu. PhD
1st Vice Chairman,  Lagos Central Baptist Conference
Living is Christ
Phil. 1:21.

MANDELA: TIMELESS LESSONS

What do you say to this?Dearly Beloved,If ever I am asked, "Dele Aina, do you have any regrets in life?" I would answer, "YES! Chiefly, because I never met Nelson Mandela." Africa, indeed, the world has lost the greatest black man that ever lived. I was tempted to call him, 'the second greatest black man that ever lived, following closely behind my dad'. But then I thought, when daddy reads this, he'd call me & say, "Didn't I teach you to be truthful & objective always?"

     So, let's give it to Mandela. Greatest dad? That's my dad! But, the greatest black man? That's Nelson Mandela! He shall remain, for ages to come, the most celebrated, the most respected, the most honoured black man, ever!I have studied the life of Mandela extensively.

      He was not born with a silver spoon. He had it rough & tough all through his lifetime. In spite of all his challenges, he loved & sacrificed. He loved his enemies, & sacrificed for his people. All African leaders should take a leadership course centered on the life of Nelson Mandela. Indeed, anybody in any form of leadership should take time to adequately study, adopt & apply the lifestyle & leadership qualities of Mandela.

      Mandela never owned a house in Dubai, UK, or USA. He never owned a private jet, never was extravagant or ostentatious as many African leaders (secular & spiritual) are today.

     Mandela admitted to have voraciously read the Bible while in incarceration. While I can't say assuredly if he ever confessed JESUS CHRIST as his Lord & savior, I make bold to state that I saw more JESUS in him than I've seen in most spiritual leaders globally.

         Mandela was focused, forgiving, forthright, & fearless. He fought a cause he believed for 27 years in prison, refusing to accept personal freedom if his people were still being oppressed.

    He came out of prison to become the first black president of South Africa, & exited after his first term. As president, he pursued truth, forgiveness & reconciliation; not vengeance, looting, & grandstanding. In all his health challenges, he was never flow outside of South Africa for treatments abroad. What was good enough for his people was good enough for him.

   Mandela was a LEADER! Let the looters, bleeders, & blunders pretending to be leaders all over Africa, & worldwide, learn from this great man. His was a Long Walk to Freedom, not a short cut to stardom, success & stupendous wealth, being bandied about in many places nowadays. LORD, have mercy!Nelson Mandela was my mentor, my leader, my good example. He was everything a good leader should be. He was all I hope & plan to be. I love this man. I love everything he epitomized. Every man, high & low, should aspire & strive to be like Mandela.

From today, when you meet anybody in leadership (spiritual & secular), ask them, "Are you like Mandela?" Whether they answer yes or no, add quickly, "Please, be like MANDELA!"

Let the children of presidents, governors, senators, honourables/dishonourables, LGA chairmen, & clergy, ask their fathers regularly, "Daddy, are you like Mandela?

Please, be like MANDELA!"Apart from his double divorces, Mandela was almost a perfect man. But then, who has never made mistakes in life?

I believe Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is in heaven with GOD. If you disagree with me, go there now & find out! There are two men the world will never forget:JESUS THE CHRIST, & Nelson Mandela. In case you're not interested, I'm gunning for the third!

Friend, be like MANDELA!
Shalom.

Dele Aina @ Just Jesus Foundation 

(The doctrinal views expressed are that of the author)

BAPTIST DEVOTIONAL

SEEK DAILY, NBC

Saturday, December 14

Luke 7:18-27

WHAT DID YOU GO OUT TO SEE?

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Luke 7:26, NIV

God is committed to making His wisdom come in small or 'earthly' insignificant packages. King David was raised as a last resort in his family; Abraham Lincoln was born to a poor family and he lost several elections before becoming one of America's greatest presidents; Ben Carson, the best pediatric neurosurgeon on earth, grew up as a dullard with a single parent; Benson Idahosa, one of Africa's greatest preachers of the Gospel, was once dumped on a refuse heap. They are all heavenly treasures in earthen vessels!

John was not an ordinary man, but a man who was the fulfilment of several prophecies; filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, he baptised the Messiah who testified about him. In fact, Jesus spoke several times about him revealing what a sign John was (Matthew 11:2-19). Similarly, each of us is God's sign from heaven. No wonder He made us each obviously unique, our strengths and weaknesses irrespective.

If you live for Jesus on earth today, just as He testified about John several times, He will not fail to testify about you before God, the holy angels, and before all men.

BAPTIST DEVOTIONAL

SEEK DAILY,
NIGERIAN  BAPTIST  CONVENTION

Friday, December 13

Matthew 3:13-17

LET THERE BE AND LET IT BE

But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires." So John agreed. Matthew 3:15, GNB

       What do Genesis 1:3 and Matthew 3:15 have in common? Genesis 1:3 was the first time God's voice was recorded in the Bible "Let there be …." (v. 3) and Matthew 3:15 was the first time the voice of Jesus was recorded in the New Testament when He said, "Let it be …." After they both spoke, there was no argument on what they said, it was simply done–'and light appeared,' after God spoke; and in Jesus' case, 'John agreed.'

         Though Jesus was the Messiah, He still lived in complete obedience to God's Word through the Prophets and the law by humbling Himself to be baptised by John. When Jesus did this, God showed Him great honour by allowing the Holy Spirit to come on Him like a dove and giving a testimony from heaven about His being His dear Son.
        If we also will humble ourselves in obedience to the authorities He has placed over us in whatever tasks we shall attract God's seal and we will carry and reflect His nature as Jesus did.

AUTHENTIC AND HIGHLY GENUINE SPIRITUAL LIFE

GOD DESIRING OUR ATTENTION.

         I had the privilege to partake in this year's HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL  and my experience among the pilgrims to the holy land exhibited the typical attitude of many Nigerian Christians in respect to prayers. We consider Christianity as utilitarian, something that can get us whatever we want or desire.

     It has been observed that our prayers are more directed at getting something from God rather than an avenue to commune with God, hear Him speak to us about His plans and programs, and enjoy His fellowship among other things.

      Whenever some Nigerian Christian has the opportunity to pray, he feels that God is under obligation to hear him speak first and only, rather than God speak to Him. We thunder at God , pray all manners of prayers and even dare to give Him time limits under which He must perform. But one thing we fail to do is to listen to God speak to us. We fail to realize that prayer is essentially communication, a dialogue between two individuals who talk to one another. Prayer for many of us has become a one way communication, wand we are the only one talking.
        I had the opportunity to share in a morning devotion with the pilgrims in my group after I observed the way and manner in which they threw themselves on the floor at every holy site during the pilgrimage. No doubt, we had all come to the holy land with our different expectations and grayer needs. There are those in dire need of one miracle or the other. Others are in need of major breakthroughs or turn around in their lives. Yet others I spoke to came for healing for themselves or loved ones.  
          Many brought photographs of loved ones who had particular ailments or needs and they believed the pilgrimage will work instant miracles once they touch these hallowed grounds. I made them to realize that more than they getting their prayer answered, God may have deliberately included them on the pilgrimage list in order to get their attention.
       Back at home, we are so preoccupied with daily grinds that we find it difficult to hear God speak to us.

         Our churches and clergymen make matters worse by filling every day of the week with church programs and activities that there is hardly anytime for personal interaction and fellowship with God.
      The art of quiet devotion and mediation seems to be missing in our Christian walk.  As a result, we become so dependent on what the man of God says rather than cultivating fellowship with God and hear Him speak to us directly as a Father to His child. God desires to speak and it is important that we listen to God, because a word dropped into our spirit by God may make all the difference and be the solution to all of our needs.
         Citing the book of Habakuk 2:1-3, the prophet in desiring that God speak to him and His particular situation said, ' I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.' Habakuk had complained to God about  the injustice, corruption and wickedness in His country.
        God responded that He will send the Babylonians to chastise the Israelites. Habakuk in response, could not understand why God would send a more terrible nation to punish Israel. He continued in His dialogue with God and resolved to hear God speak again to him concerning his concerns And God did.
      It is desirable that we pray, but it is imperative that we hear God speak to us in our prayers. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says..

Rev. Christopher Aigbadumah, Phd.
Moderator,  New Height Baptist Association; and
Snr Pastor,  Living Souls Baptist Church,  Agabara.

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BAPTIST DEVOTIONAL

     12  -   12   -2013
Thursday, December 12/2013

Luke 3:15-20

ONE MORE POWERFUL THAN JOHN

So John said to all of them, I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16, GNB

        Don Moen sang a song in his album, 'I Believe There Is More', which actually is the album title track. Also in his album 'Mercy Seat', he sang in the track 'I Just Want To Know You More' saying, "And yet I know there is more; I hear You calling me to place where I've never been before; where Your love is flowing deeper than the sea …." Psalms 42, 61, 63 and 84 are also examples of a desire to hold on to all that God has in store.

      John the Baptist, knowing men were about to put a crown on him had to turn their hearts to long for more than he could offer. He showed a different attitude compared to the priests and Pharisees. The people were hungry for the Messiah and just an inkling of John's anointing made them think he was the Christ. John, in clear terms, made them realise that the best he could offer was the baptism of water; and, the Christ would come with something far greater than they had seen–the Holy Spirit and fire.

       There is more to your Christian life that the promise of the Holy Spirit will achieve in your life. Ask the Father right away (read Luke 11:9-13).

Prayer Point: Lord, reveal unto me more of You in my Christian life.

Prayers: cplagoscentral@gmail.com