Israel Folau’s post (below) that forced the governing body of rugby union in Australia to reveal it intends to terminate the 30-year-old’s central contract read: “Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters – hell awaits you!”
Rugby Australia has issued Folau, with a code of conduct breach notice to which he has 48 hours to respond.
However, speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, the fullback said the row erupted over his comments has not prompted him to change his stance.
“First and foremost, I live for God now,” he said in his first interview since the controversy over his recent comments began.
“His plans for me are better than whatever I can think. If that’s not to continue playing, so be it.
“In saying that, obviously I love playing footy and if it goes down that path I’ll definitely miss it. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first.
“In Ezekiel, chapter 33, verse 11, it says that ‘God has no pleasure in the person that’s living in sin’
“He’s a loving God and he wants people to turn away from what they’re living in and he’ll give them life. That’s the message I’m trying to share, even though it comes across as harsh.
“I can’t change what the word of God says. As we heard today, those that live for Christ will be persecuted for his…
Welcome to another impactful week! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: The Supremacy of Faith!
From scriptures, we discover that we engage in faith to tap into divine virtues, which in turn enhance our value. The Bible says: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2). Also, our vision can never deliver beyond the level of faith we are operating in. Hence, the beauty and colour of every vision is a function of the quality of faith that is employed. Therefore, without faith, our vision has no substance because it is faith that defines the substance of our vision. Every act of God in our lives is only realisable via faith and as long as our faith is on fire, we remain on flight and also in command of things happening around us. Thus, it is to us according to our faith, not according to our vision (Matthew 9:29). So, if our faith is down, our life and destiny will be down.
What, Then, is the Supremacy of Faith?
1. Faith Engages the Word for Performance: It engages the Word of God in order to enforce the delivery of our destiny and desires. The Bible records about Mary: …Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:38).Sometimes, it may not be convenient for us but if it is commanded, we must engage in it because that’s the only way to where we are going and it is what determines the happenings in our lives. That is what makes faith a vital force that gets the job done. As long as our faith is in place, we remain in command over the issues of life.
2. Faith is A Spiritual Force: Faith is neither a psychological nor philosophical force; it is a spiritual force. It is not an intellectual issue either; it is a spiritual virtue that operates within the spirit of man not in his head. As it is written: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). Thus, whatever is working contrary to our inheritance in Christ, faith can stop it instantly. For instance, the woman with the issue of blood had her faith intact and her health was restored immediately (Mark 5:25-34).
3. Faith is a Spiritual Chemistry: It is the spiritual chemistry with which we quench the oppositions, clear obstacles and access our possessions. The Bible says: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith (Mark 11:23). Every time faith is at work, a spiritual connection is established and that connection provokes the flow of virtue from God. That virtue flows to enhance our value.
4. Faith is A Living Force: It is a living force, drawn from the living Word to produce living proofs. That woman drew from Jesus, the Living Word, and a living proof was produced. Faith is not just believing that God can do something; it is being moved to do something to prove that we believe. When we are moved to act on what God commands, He is committed to perform. So, faith is an act. For it is written: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, faith is the only way to move God in our direction and the only way to stop the devil from molesting us (Ephesians 6:16).
5. Faith is Hard Work: Faith is no cheap talk; faith is hard work. It is written: For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Hebrews 4:10-11). It requires a form of labour. We don’t wish for faith but work at faith. Faith does not answer to wishes; it answers to workings, that is, working with the Word of God. Whether it is conventional faith or supernatural faith, all forms of faith draw from our Word bank or reservoir. The things on our inside are what faith draws from; it has to be there before faith can draw. The Bible says: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17; see also 2 Peter 1:5).
6. Faith is a Great Profession: Faith is no mere confession; it is a great profession. As it is written: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23). Profession here connotes definite skills. Thus, it requires skills to maximise its benefits (Hebrews 5:12-14).
In summary, faith is an asset of inestimable value, an unstoppable force which taps into the omnipotence of God, quenches all the fiery darts of the devil, addresses all satanic assaults and commits the integrity of divinity. However, you cannot experience the supremacy of faith unless you are born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Understanding the Power of Faith, Exploits of Faith and Born to Win!
I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected]; Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.
David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel
“And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!”Genesis 17:18 KJV
When God spoke to Abraham in Genesis chapter 12, He told him to come out of his kindred to a place that He would show him. Abraham was about 75 years then. Abraham and Sarah waited for twenty-four years and nothing happened. But the Word of God had gone forth. When you read that chapter of the Bible, it is so easy to think Abraham started that way, he never started that way. Abraham did not believe throughout. Hagar produced Ishmael because Abraham tried to help God. He doubted God. That was why he went into Hagar. He agreed with his wife and Ishmael was born against the will of God.
When you read further, when God kept on promising him, he said to God, ‘don’t worry about the promise, let Ishmael live.’ Many of us are content with a second-class miracle, other than what God has ordained for us. We are content with mediocrity. I have never seen the righteous forsaken. The seed of the righteous will never beg bread. Please don’t accept just anything. Every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of lights in whom there is no variableness, neither any shadow of turning. Our God is a good God. He wants to bless you. The blessings of God make rich and He does not add any sorrow.
Ishmael was born, and Abraham said ‘let Ishmael live.’ But God said ‘Ishmael is not the promise, send him away.’ Some of us have to send some things away. It may look as if nothing is going to happen but out of that nothing, something will spring forth. After Ishmael was born, for thirteen years God never spoke to Abraham again. May you never put yourself where God cannot reach you. When God no longer speaks to you, you are finished. But when he speaks to you, no matter how bad or low you are, then there is hope for you.
Further Reading: Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 17:15-22
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 1 Samuel 27-29; Evening- Luke 13:1-22
Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.
18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
THE MESSAGE:
Jesus crossed the Kidron, fully conscious that Judas would betray Him, and went to Gethsemane to surrender to the Father’s will. His disciples had affirmed their devotion to Him and Peter here, proved it by drawing his sword for a fight.
Jesus said to him, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Peter had a sword in his hand (symbolizing rebellion against the will of God) but Jesus had a cup to drink (symbolizing suffering and His submission to it). Peter was resisting God’s will and hindering the work that Jesus came to accomplish, but Jesus was submitting to it. Peter made mistakes, used the wrong approach/weapons and accomplished the wrong result! He was sincere, but sincerely wrong, perhaps due to his prayerlessness. Remember Jesus had asked them to pray with Him but instead, they slept.
What is in your hand today, a sword, or a cup? You may not have a physical sword but that of intellect, wealth, wisdom, resources, power, certificates, position, strength, etc. Do you use them to oppose and struggle against the work and will of the Lord? Like Jesus, you must learn to submit to the will of God for your life, using everything you possess. The surest way of doing so is through prayers!
Prayer: Father, help me to stop struggling against Your will but to be submissive to show forth Your glory.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:8-9).
The Bible speaks of the Father’s love poured out lavishly in Jesus Christ. Such extraordinary love did He express toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He didn’t die for us because we were living right; He did it while we were yet sinners. That’s indescribable love, but it describes our value.
When you know who Jesus is, and the fact that He actually gave His life to save you, you’ll understand what God thinks about you; how He values you. His vicarious death defines your value. He thought you were worth His life; therefore, He gave His life in your place. This shows that you’re as valuable to God as Jesus is. No wonder the Lord Jesus, pouring out His heart to the Father in prayer, wanted the world to know that the Father loved us even as He loved Him (John 17:23).
How inspiring it is to know that Jesus gave His life, so that you may have it. The life you ought to live now should be the life of the Son of God; live His dream. Paul boldly declared in Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Don’t live a lesser life. Live God’s dream. He considered you valuable, and gave Himself for you. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
PRAYER Blessed Father, thank you for your unfailing love; it surrounds me like a shield and I soar in its comfort and bliss forever. This love compels me to preach the Gospel to the lost, and turn them from sin unto righteousness, and from the power of Satan unto God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Ephesians 3:17-19; 1 John 4:8-10
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:25-15:1-10 & Judges 19-21
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:13-22 & Leviticus 15
Rhapsody of Realities 15th April 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. – 1 John 2:5-6
There is nothing—absolutely nothing—that is more important than learning to love. In fact, how accurately you perfect the love walk will determine how much of the perfect will of God you accomplish. That’s because every other spiritual force derives its action from love. For example, the Bible teaches us that faith works by love. And answered prayer is almost an impossibility when a believer steps outside of love and refuses to forgive or is in strife with his brother.
Without love, your giving will not work. Tongues and prophecy will not work. Faith fails and knowledge is unfruitful. All the truths that you have learned from God’s Word work by love. They will profit you nothing unless you live the love of God.
First Corinthians 13:4-8 paints a perfect picture of how love behaves. It’s patient and kind. It’s not jealous or proud. It doesn’t behave rudely or selfishly and it isn’t touchy. Love “beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? But don’t despair. You are a love creature. God has re-created your spirit in the image of love. And He has sent His love Spirit to live in you and teach you how to love as He loves. You can live the love life. Begin today.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
Matthew 13:44, ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.’
Matthew 13:44-50
The interpretation of this parable is this: the field is the world, the man buying the treasure is God, the treasure is the true believers in Christ. The price that was paid was the very life of Jesus on the cross. Jesus saw, through His foreknowledge, a remnant of people who would receive Him as Lord, and ‘for the joy that was set before him,’ He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2) and purchased us unto Himself with His own blood (Acts 20:28). He purchased the whole world, but not everyone will receive what He did. Therefore, the Church is hidden (scattered among the world) today.
Father God had the plan of salvation worked out before He even created the world. Most of us would not have created the world and mankind if we had known the heartache and terrible sacrifice this act would cost. But God is not man. In His judgment (which is the correct judgment) the prize was worth the cost.
God knows in advance those who will accept His offer of salvation. The Scriptures teach that we (believers) were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). That’s how infinite God’s ability is. We were chosen in Christ before the world began. We are holy and without blame because God sees us through Christ. It was predetermined that we would be God’s children. We have been accepted by God. The Father would no more reject us than He would reject Jesus, because we are accepted by the Father through Christ. We are redeemed and forgiven. We are truly blessed!
This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore . . . — Revelation 1:18
Certain laws of evidence hold in the establishment of any historic event. Documentation of the event in question must be made by reliable contemporary witnesses. There is more evidence that Jesus rose from the dead than there is that Julius Caesar ever lived, or that Alexander the Great died at the age of 33. It is strange that historians will accept thousands of facts for which they can produce only shreds of evidence. But in the face of the overwhelming evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they cast a skeptical eye and hold intellectual doubts. The trouble with many people is that they do not want to believe. They are so completely prejudiced that they cannot accept the glorious fact of the resurrection of Christ on Bible testimony alone.
Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, I know You are alive—for You live in the hearts of all those who love You!
Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.
TOPIC: Claiming Your Healing By Faith (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 15 April 2019)
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22
FIRE SCRIPTURE: Mark 5:15-34
MEMORY VERSE: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
The MESSAGE:
Without mincing words, one of the greatest qualifications to work with God is faith. The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please God.” According to the Fire Scriptures for today, the woman had suffered so many things, and spent all that she had in order to get solution to her problem but all to no avail. But when she heard about Jesus, she followed him with faith and said if she could touch His clothes, she would be made whole. With faith, this woman touched the cloth of the Master and immediately, her long time battle vanished completely. In verse 34, Jesus made us to understand that it was the faith of this woman that made her whole.
There is no doubt about it, beloved, that many people were following Jesus on that day. These people also had one problem or the other for which they also desired solution. However, while others were following Jesus with doubt, self-pity, anxiety, discouragement in their heart, this woman followed Jesus with faith and because of her determination, she was able to penetrate through the crowd and broke all barriers before her. She touched the cloths of the Lord and claimed her healing.
Like this woman, you too can activate your faith today and claim your divine healing. The grace is for everybody who believes in the power and authority in the name of Jesus. You should note that the woman added work to her faith. She acted on her belief. When you pray, take a step of faith. Start that project. Enrol for that course. Take that step. Break the inertia. The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step. Your dream will become a reality and your miracle will emerge if you take that step of faith. Have faith and act on your faith. Your healing, deliverance and breakthrough will become a reality.
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: YOUR GOOD DESIRE CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH JESUS BY FAITH.
PROPHETIC WORD: You will not die in your situation.
PRAYER POINTS:
MORNING
Father, give me an ever-increasing measure of faith, in the name of Jesus.
Faith to move mountains and cast them into the sea, locate me by fire, in the name of Jesus.
Father, give me testimony producing faith, in the name of Jesus. EVENING
My faith will not fail, in the name of Jesus.
Any battle assigned to destroy my faith in Christ, die, in the name of Jesus.
Father, give me the grace to pass any test of my faith, in the name of Jesus.
O Lord, make my faith unwavering and rock-like, in the name of Jesus.
MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
Topic The Holy Bible [Open Heavens for Teens 15 April 2019]
Memorise: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Bible In One Year: 1 Samuel 17 -18, Luke 15:1-10
MESSAGE:
Today, we are going to talk about the independence of God’s word; the Holy Bible. The Bible is filled with words inspired by God as stated in our memory verse for today.
“20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ” – 2 Peter 1:20-21
As a teenager, you might have wished for God to speak to you at one point or the other, but He already has. God has spoken to you through your bible and all you have to do is to hear Him talk is to pock up your bible and read.
Secondly, as it so expected of you to keep growing physically, so also spiritually. Reading the Bible is the only way you will grow spiritually. If you don’t read the word of God as often as you eat, then your spirit-man will become malnourished and in the long run die.
Key Point: The word of God is the only food that you need to take at least as often as you eat physical food.
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.
Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render; o help us to see;
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
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