AFD DECEMBER 2013 THEME
Alleluia! “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”.
Shalom! I bring you this month of December season special kingdom greetings in the redeeming name of our Lord and Saviour King – Jesus Christ. Amen. With redemptive privilege, I gladly welcome all visitors and existing browsers into this Month of DECEMBER 2013 EDITION, which is Entitled: “Christ Jesus Is Come . . . This Day! This Christmas!!“. A month of enacting the “Commemoration & Celebration God’s Love In Christ Jesus & His Redemption Cause On Earth Being our Anchor of FAITH, HOPE & LOVE“
Hence, this month of DECEMBER is a very crucial month in the life of all who call upon the name of the Lord, not religiously but from the heart of gracious service to do His Words. My prayer is that all will come to know him and allow Him in them. I trust God that through this AFD December 2013 Edition you will lay hold of your rights and privileges in possessing your promised blessings in REDEMPTION. To this end you will bring all things under your feet and control in enjoying and becoming what you are born of God to be in Christ Jesus.
Hence some of our scriptures for the theme reads –
Luke 19:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 8:9-11, 31 “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you . . . 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
John 14:14-17 “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
1 John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Matthew 1:16-25 “And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”
Luke 2:1-20 “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.“
I do know that a man’s ignorance is his own mountain and the knowledge of the truth will set such free. Hence I am leaving you with this AFD DECEMBER 2013 Edition newsletter for your perusal and as a guide of grace to give you food for thought indicating how the theme of the month will be approach. I therefore commend you to take time to ponder and meditate on them in prayers (Acts 20:32).
However, this month theme will be expanded in course of the SERVICES & TIMES in all meetings through the Month/year in “Scripture Pasture” Study and “Pastoral Messages & Ministrations”.
I gladly welcome you, your friends and family to be with us in Fellowship and Worship. I promise you that you can never be the same again as you ponder over the truth of these unadulterated, inspiring, revealing and empowering living word of God. I pray that God revitalise and rejuvenate you and all that is about you, so that you may become the very best of which God has created you to be in your daily journey of Destiny Moulding, Life Transformation, Dignity Restoration and Kingdom Faith Establishment, Community Social Enrichment and Development and Readily Prepared, Awaiting The Lord’s Return.
Further details coming soon . . . Until then, have an amazing, majestic and awesome DECEMBER 2013 Month of “Christ Jesus Is Come – This Day! This Christmas!!”.
In His Kingdom Business For His Glory,
Revd Chukie
NOTE: (All Scriptures are either in King James Version or New King James Version except where otherwise indicated)
December 2011 Theme
Shalom & Kingdom greetings in the precious name of our Lord & Saviour King – Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. With awesome privilege, I gladly welcome all visitors and existing browsers into this MONTH of December 2011 Themed: “CHRIST IS COME … This Christmas! The commemoration & Celebration of God’s Love In Christ & His Cause on Earth”.
I do know that a man’s ignorance is his own mountain and the knowledge of the truth will set him free. Hence I am leaving you with the undermentioned scriptures in this note to give you a line of food for thought as a way to indicate how the theme of the month will be approach. I therefore commend you to take time to ponder and meditate on them in prayers (Acts 20:32).
Luke 19:10 “10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Romans 5:8 “8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Matthew 1:16-25 “16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”
Luke 2:1-20 “1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
However, this theme will be expanded in course of the SERVICES & TIMES in all meetings through the month in “Scripture Pasture” Study and “Pastoral Messages”. I gladly welcome you, your friends and family to be with us in Fellowship and Worship. I promise you that you can never be the same again as you ponder over the truth of these unadulterated, inspiring, revealing and empowering living word of God.
Until then, have an amazing, majestic and awesome MONTH of Commemorating & Celebrating God’s Love in Christ Jesus & His Cause on Earth for you and all mankind.
In Christ Love,
Pst Chukie.
Understanding The Birth Of JESUS CHRIST
UNDERSTANDING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Scriptural Text: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20; 1 John 4:1-6
INTRODUCTION: The prophesy as to the birth of our personal Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has been predicted many years before His birth in the Holy Scriptures as found in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaiah 7:14. The Holy Prophets on divine inspiration and revelation were empowered to speak forth as they were moved by the Holy Spirit – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21. And by the working of God, these prophecies that have outlived many generations came to fulfilment as found in Matthew 1:18-20, 23 and Luke 2:1-20. Christ means – the anointed one, the messiah, the saviour, the redeemer, and the holy one of Israel. Herein in this study, we shall be discussing precisely on the birth of Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION (Study Analysis/Illustration):
A. Scriptural Record Before His BIRTH:
1) Micah 5:2
2) John 1:1-5, 10, 14
3) Colossians 1:14-17
4) Genesis 1:1-4
5) Matthew 22:41-46
6) Isaiah 7:14
7) Isaiah 9:6-7
8). Genesis 3:5
9) Luke 1:31
10) Romans 8:3
B. Scriptural Record To The Promise of His Birth:
1) Genesis 3:15;
2) Genesis 12:3;
3) Micah 5:2;
4) Luke 1:30-33;
5) Isaiah 9:6-7;
6) Jeremiah 23:5-6;
7) Romans 8:3
8). Philippians 2:7
9) John 1:14
10) 1 Corinthians 1:20.
C. The Essence of Acknowledging the Humanity of Christ
1) 1 John 4:1-3;
2) John 1:14;
3) 1 John 5:7-12;
4) 1Timothy 3:16.
5) 1 Timothy 2:5;
6) Philippians 2:8;
7) Galatians 4:4;
8). Matthew 1:1;
9) Romans 8:3;
10) Hebrews 2:14-15
D. Experiences of Christ’s Humanity
1) Physical Body – Matthew 24:39-43; Matthew 27:57-60
2) Natural Growth – Luke 2:40; 52
3) Hunger – Luke 4:1-2; Matthew 4:2
4) Sleep – Luke 8:23
5) Poverty – Luke 9:58; 2 Corinthians 8:9
6) Weariness (tired) – John 4:6; Hebrews 4:15
7) Sorrow and Distress– Matthew 26:37-38
8) Wept – John 11:35; Luke 19:41
9) Tempted – Luke 4:1-2; Matthew 4:1-2; Hebrews 4:13
100 . . . And such like
E. The Cause of Christ’s Birth: John 18:37; 1 John 3:8; John 3:16; Galatians 4:4-7.
The Scriptural CAUSE and PURPOSE for which Christ came or was born into the world.
1). To FULFIL the divine WILL (Word) of God. Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6, 15; Genesis 1:26-30; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; John 1:21, 45; 6:14; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37)
2). To SAVE us from our SIN (Matthew 1:21; Romans 5:1-2; Acts 3:26; 4:12; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5; Isaiah 53:5-10)
3). To seek and to save THAT which was lost. (Luke 19:10)
4). To give us ETERNAL LIFE (Greek – ZOE) (1 Corinthians 15:21-22; John 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11-12; John 10:10; 17:3)
5). To RESTORE and DEMONSTRATE to us, God’s LOVE to us and for us. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-7; 15:12-13; 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-21; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8.
6). To RESTORE us to God’s kind of PEACE (Eph. 2:14, John 14:27; Phil. 4:7)
7). To DESTROY the works of satan against our life (Acts 10:38; 1 John 3:8-9; John 10:10)
8). To RESTORE us to a life of ABUNDANT (overflowing) living (John 10:10; Jeremiah 29:11; 23:5-6; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 10:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:30)
9). To RECONCILE us back to God (2Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians 2:1-22)
10). To give us true FREEDOM and DELIVERANCE (Like 1:68-71; 4:18-19; Heb. 2:14-15; Col. 1:13-14)
11). To REDEEM us from the CURSE and EFFECT of the law and the fall of man and unto God’s blessings (Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Revelation 5:9-10; Luke 1:68-75.)
12). To RESTORE us to a place of HEALING and HEALTH (Matt. 8:16-17; 3John 2; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Pet. 2:24)
13). To give us a TRUE spirit of knowledge and understanding to life (John 17:3; 1John 5:18-20)
14). To PROSPER us (3John 2; 2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 6:33; John 10:10; Josh. 1:8)
15). . . . And many others. John 20:30-31; 21:25.
CONCLUSION: Thanks to God for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. If Christ Jesus was not born and given (Isaiah 9:6-7), there would not have been any death or resurrection, and glorification, and that means, we would have walked in the darkness of this age and miss the very essence we were created or made. Let us appropriate in our life every reason that made God to give His only begotten son to us especially in this season of Christmas as we commemorate and celebrate the birth of Christ – God’s Love to us. However, as wonderful as Christmas celebration is, be it known today that Christ is enthroned. He is no longer the:
- The babe in the manger
- The servant to death
- Neither the limited one nor the Christ on the Cross.
He is now the:
- God on the throne (Seated at the right hand of the Father God)
- Omnipotent (unlimited, all powerful),
- Omnipresent (He is present everywhere at the same time) and
- Omniscience (all knowing)
(Rev. 1:10-18; 19:16; Matt. 28:18; Phil 3:21).
Let us enthrone him in our heart, crown Him King of kings and Lord of lords and establish His presence in a daily commemoration and celebration and not just in another one year again.
I challenge and commend everyone who by virtue of grace have been ignited by the spirit of God’s love in Christ Jesus, to arise with faith and earnestly go and extend the good love of God in your hearts to others – that is the essence of a true living. You can begin from your home and the fire will spread to give hope to someone else near you.
I pray you have and enjoy a fabulous and great celebration of this Christmas and may God’s eternal love ever be your portion and prosper your goings during this season as you commemorate and celebrate His love. 2 Corinthians13:14 ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen’
MEMORY VERSE:
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins” Matthew 1:21.
Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI
www.42ndgenerationfoundation.com and www.achievrsfaithdigest.com
Intercessory Prayers Series 2
INTERCEDING FOR THE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL
(Not Excluding Other Local Church Pastoral/Spiritual Leadership Teams)
TEXT: Zechariah 3:1-8, Acts 14:19-20, Deuteronomy 3:23-28; Colossians 4:17
INTRODUCTION: Amongst all the children of God, Ministers are the most vulnerable to attacks by the enemy because they occupy a very precious position. Except by the discerning of Spirits and revelation gifts of the Holy Spirit, one might not accurately know what problems, fears tears, and wears a minister has to grasps with, as their problems are many and varied. It is in this respect that the great Apostle Paul, who spoke in tongues more than all the Christians in Corinth, who heard the voice of God audibly and saw the visions of God, who went to the third heaven bodily, and had an angelic visitation, who could deliver an erring believer to the devil for torment, and who stood in the five ministerial offices and manifested all nine gifts, requested for personal prayers almost all the Churches he visited. Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 1 Thessalonian 5:25; Heb. 13:18.
The Lord Jesus Christ while on earth as son of man also requested prayer help from His disciples who slept off instead of praying – Matthew 26:36-46. So, if the Lord Jesus in His earthly ministry and also Apostle Paul needed prayers then we conclude that no minister can perform effectively to the optimum without a steady prayer support. God is likely to hold the church responsible for the sins, errors and the fall and failures of her ministries just as He will also hold the ministers responsible for the lives of their members – Proverbs 27:23.
“When Israel sin against God, Moses interceded for them, but when Moses has his offence of sin against God, there was no intercessor to take a stand on his behalf” – Exodus 32:30-32; 33:12-23; 17:8-16; 12:13; and Deuteronomy 32:48-52; Numbers 20:7-13.
A. MINISTER’S CONFLICTS:
1. Ministers have personal crisis and strivings which at some points or times cannot be shared with mortal man except God alone – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.
2. Ministers may be bold externally but they may also have their personal fears and uncertainties. 1 Kings 19:1-14. “Smite the Shepherd and the Sheep’s will scatter”.
3. Ministers are specifically targeted for certain vicious attacks by the gates of hell : 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 2 Kings 4:1-7 etc
- Seducing spirits
- Attacks on the spirit man by demonic forces with intent to hindering a minister fellowship with God
- Family attacks (domestic burdens)
- Pride, arrogance and self esteem
- . . . And many others etc
4. Ministers often have plans and programmes of divine approval which may be frustrated by the devil. 1 Thessalonian 2:18.
5. Sometimes they find themselves in a very tight and embarrassing financial crisis which they had not bargained for. 2 Corinthians 11:22-27, Philippians 4:10-13.
6. Many times they wonder whether they were actually called of God due to Satan’s assault on their assurance and faith. This often happens when there is fierce opposition within and without and the ministry isn’t making any remarkable progress. Matthew 11:1-6, 2 Timothy 4:13-18.
7. Often there are certain inexplicable health hazards which may ultimately affect the work of the ministry. 1Timothy 5:23.
8. Often-times the devil inundates the minister with unending programmes and activities, so as to choke up his personal fellowship with the Lord. Ministers must work with the Lord and not only for the Lord. Mark 3:14-15.
9. There is also the temptation to be crowded and miracle-oriented without being people-oriented. Jesus had time for anxious inquirers.
10. We must pray that God’s minister will be men of vision so as to:
i. See what the Lord sees.
ii. See only what the Lord sees.
iii. See as far as the Lord sees.
iv. See as clearly as the Lord sees.
(see Jeremiah 1:11-19; Isaiah 6:1-9; Genesis 13:14-18)
B. DIVINE RECIPE FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY: 1 Tim. 1:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:1
- GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ Expense, i.e. unmerited favour, divine capacity for doing work. 1 Cor. 15:9-10.
- MERCY – Divine kindness that offsets divine judgement for obvious and non-obvious faults and mistakes in the ministry. 2 Cor. 4:1.
- PEACE – Understanding of mind and spirit in spite of surrounding turmoil’s. John 14:27, John 16:33, 2 Tim. 2:6.
NOTE: No minister can function without fail, if these three elements of divine reimbursement are not present on a constant basis. As intercessors we need to ask the Lord to multiply these divine favours unto them.
C. SAMPLE PRAYERS FOR MINISTERS:
(Marks of the ministry: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10).
Lord of heaven and Earth I come in the name of Lord Jesus Christ, your first begotten son to intercede and pray for Revd Chukie & Mrs. Faith MORSI, ministers of the gospel, whose local church is named REDEMPTION LIFE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH. I pray that you will grant them your grace, peace and mercy, so that they could make their calling and election sure; I pray that they would approve themselves as ministers and that they put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that their ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God they commend themselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything as in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. I pray that your loving kindness will envelope them. Kindly bless them and grant them open doors of favour, an effectual and effective ministry. I pray that all the resources they might need to make their ministry what you want it to become be made available unto them. Kindly bless them in every way. Thank you Lord in Jesus name, amen.
(You can use these other passages to enhance prayers – Psalms 104:4; 134:1-3; 135:1-3; 92:10-15 etc.)
Compiled by Rev. Chukie MORSI
www.42ndgenerationfoundation.com and www.achieversfaithdigest.com