FAITH IN ACTION

Faith inspires inner strength with which we can face our life challenges. It is impossible to live above our circumstances without faith in God

 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” James 2:26. 

 Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo

“True faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His Promises.” -Francis Chan. The Epistle of James to all men is a spotlight on the practical life of a Christian. It is a balanced teaching for those who think faith is limited to the heart without or with less outward acts on the part of a Christian on one hand; and those who teach that a believer must work for eternity on the other hand. Apostle James will want everyone in the church answer two questions. First, “If you say you are a Christian, why are you not living like a Christian? Second, “If you are not a Christian why are you living as if you are one?”

The Messenger

There are four different persons referred to as James in the New Testament. The first James is the son of Zebedee called by Jesus while catching fish. He is the brother of John. Matt. 4: 21-22. He was the first martyr Acts 12:1-2 and could not have been the author of the Book if James. James the son of Alpheus is another person referred to in the New Testament. He was obscure in the New Testament history. Matt. 10:3. James the father of Judas (not Judas Iscariot) Luke 6:16. And the fourth James as recorded in the Book of James simply referred to himself as servant of God and Jesus Christ. He is half-brother of Jesus Christ. Matt. 13:55-56; Mark 6:3. He met Jesus Christ after resurrection and later became prominent leader among the Apostles. 

 The Message to Them

The Book of James does not mention salvation, Holy Spirit or baptism. It mentions Jesus just twice in 1:1 and 2:1. However, it mentions ‘faith’ 12 times and works 10 times. Therefore, James’ emphasis is on the practice of our faith rather than replacing our faith with works. He says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” James 2:26. 

The Message to Us

Many Christians deny their faith due to trials, temptations, persecutions, false teaching, worldliness and many other situations around them. They faint in their commitment to service of God. The message by the Holy Spirit to us in time like this is to act upon our faith in all situations. 

 In trials count it all joy

 In provocation keep your tongue

 in affluence be fair to all

 In leadership be diligent

 In sickness, pray to God

Conclusion

Faith inspires inner strength with which we can face our life challenges. It is impossible to live above our circumstances without faith in God. Heb. 11:6 Therefore, brethren, believe in God and act out your faith to be justified both in the sight of God and men.  As you do this, the Lord will move into the situation and grant you all round victory in Jesus name. 

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON PROSPERITY

Whatever you do in the Lord is made possible through Him. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phill. 2:13

                                             Introduction

 Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo

I welcome you all to this year’s Church Growth Conference in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Lord had promised so I declare that you will be a blessing to the Church of God and your generation in Jesus name.  Our theme for this year is Building Prosperous Kingdom People. The church of God is facing difficult times due to myriads of challenges especially poverty which is also the root cause of insecurity. This is a satanic strategy of putting pressure on the body of Christ in this end time. However God says, “And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen anymore.” Ezekiel 34:29. How will God do this? The Bible offers answer to that in verse 26 of the same Chapter. It says, “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

Observations

The work of Mission and Evangelism which is the core mandate of the church needs resources to thrive. I am glad that the Lord had promised that we will be a blessing and there shall be showers of blessings. The key to unlock the showers of blessings is faithful stewardship.

Prosperity in the Biblical perspective goes beyond money and materialism. Though we need finance and materials to do mission, yet we are called to prosper in its entirety. The Lord says, “18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

 We have different opinions about prosperity. While some believe Prosperity is a mark of salvation others believe it is of the devil and no wealthy person can enter the kingdom of God. I am going to share with you few things that will by the grace of God open your understanding to biblical perspectives on prosperity. These are:

God Wants Us to Prosper

There are many Bible references pointing to the facts that God wants us to prosper in all areas of our life especially in fulfilling our stewardship. “Wealth does not drop from the sky. “Wealth is generated by those who have the power to make wealth. God rarely directly gives people money. Rather He gives people the power to create wealth for themselves” Deut 8:18; Gen. 8:22; Matth. 6:33-36; Luk. 11:13; 2 Peter 1: 3-8;Gen. 22:15-18; 2 Chro. 1:11

God Prospers Those Who Obey Him

The transforming power of God in the believer causes prosperity especially when you walk with Him in fear and obedience. Psalms 92:12-14; Proverbs 3:5,6; 33; 4:22; 5:21; 10:6,7,11,16,1722; 27; 11:16; 12:20,28; 13:21; 16:7;22:4, 28:10; 29:18; Mal. 3: 10; Lev 26: 3-11; 

Prosperity is God's Prerogative not a Contract

We are God's stewards required to serve, sacrifice and give account of our stewardship to the Master. It is the prerogative of the Master to give or not to give back in the physical. Do not work or serve just because you want your needs to be met. Whatever you do in the Lord is made possible through Him. "For it is God  which worketh in you both to will and to do  of his good pleasure." Phill. 2:13; John 15:16; 

Conclusion

God is the Author of all things visible and invisible. He gives possessions to whoever he wishes not because of what we do for Him. At the same time God promised to reward those who diligently seek and serve Him. Jesus tells us what can facilitate the prosperity we are hoping for. “31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:31-33