Speaking Out

Paul came to Corinth aware of the philosophical leanings in this colony. Great images were dotting Athens which then, was the academic hub in that civilized world, and boasting of great intellectual prowess among other colonies in the larger brutal Roman Empire. Diana the goddess commanded respect among the people in the former world power under Alexander the Great, but now relegated to the periphery by the dominance of the Roman Empire. But citizens in this colony were still proud of their unrivaled worldly wisdom.

The 'might' this world generously offers, or its wisdom cannot supersede the intents of God. "Science is good, but it can't bring an end to the suffering of a human soul, that craves for freedom from its enslaved sin nature." In their thinking, the elite in Athens had mesmerized the hoi polloi with philosophical  stances. They believed in nothing else other than in the wisdom of their deities. Diana the goddess of fertility was still reverenced. And any threat to her, or doctrines that pointed to her as a goddess, were met with utter disdain, and disturbances that would literally result in great persecution. 

Paul grew up as Jew in the diaspora; where he was able to acquire his Roman citizenship. The commercial hub of Tarsus had hosted people from other nations that were under the Roman rule. He was send by his father to the religious capital ( Jerusalem) to further his education in pharisaical theology, under the tutelage of the renowned Hebrew scholar Gamaliel, because in part, the Jews loathed the worship of idols, but still participated in many of the Gentiles revelings. So he had to get the best of what the Jewish scholars would give.

Loathing any form of worship, and practically doing most of the things, or practices, that are synonymous with those worshipping in a different way, can not make one look different, or even better.

After his conversion, fired up for the Lord, he began to preach the same gospel he was opposed to. When true conversion comes, there is always a desire so strong that nothing can quench it, and it's all about pursuing after the things of God. Today the conversion has been reduced to something that means absolutely nothing in this present world. There has been a rush to get involved in ministry, and anybody can stand before a gathering and preach. 

Having encountered resistance from people of his stalk, he goes to the Gentiles to tell them about the risen Christ, the same one that was resisted by the top rabbinical echelon. As a trained young lawyer who could eloquently argue his case to both the Jewish and the learned Gentiles, Paul chose to be led of God.

He understood too well that Christ had to abide in him, and he was to remain sold out to Christ through ministry given to him by the grace of God. When he therefore comes to Corinth he understands nothing could sway the Corinthians other than the demonstrative power of God through his Spirit.

1Co 2:1  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

1Co 2:2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1Co 2:3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

1Co 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

This instance buttress the fact that Paul knew how to bring his testimony; even to those hitherto held a different view, more so, emanating from the belief system they had embraced over the years.

The whole city of Athens, was given to idolatry, and just as it is today, we have many forms of idolatry in a newer form, with a clever way of explaining as to why we have all these images. Christians today have given themselves to revelings in the guise of celebrating religious calendars, when in reality it's all about drinking and having fun.

It's not an open secret anymore that some Christians, especially those who preach, or sing in the worship teams, even pastors wives, participate in Halloween, and other cultural celebrations.

Well, how does that resonate with the word of God? How does one get dressed like a scary demon and still say they are sold out for Christ? Hosea captures that very well by telling Israel that " may people perish for lack of knowledge."

The spirit of Paul was stirred up in him on seeing how the entire city was given to idolatry, but the philosophers and the stoics mocking - christened him a 'babbler, and setter forth of strange gods,' because he preached Jesus and his resurrection.

It's not all about arguing our spiritual case eloquently to prove our point, rather to the contrary we are inclined at all times to know who we are in Christ, and speak audaciously about him, allowing the Spirit of God to lead us.

Paul allowed the demonstration of God's power to take prominence, and it was evidenced in his ministry at a time persecution was too glaring, and that would have prompted anyone that wasn't given up to christ completely beat a retreat. 

We are faced with myriad challenges, and some of us haven't been able to resist the allures of this life the world gives, even though, it hasn't stopped the few brave servants of God from keeping the fire burning, and challenging the status quo to live up to bible tenets.

In spite of what is happening, and shaping up as a new spiritual battle front, God is raising his servants who will remain categorical on all the bible indicators, and will never get themselves compromised; but shall stand for the truth.

It's time to teach the church the bible principles, and warn the church on the dangers lurking, and how the church can avoid yesteryears pitfalls. Holiness, righteous and right standing with God has to be discoursed without fear. It's not wrong to prosper, but this should not override what Christ rallied us for. Gospel tailored on the basis of prosperity will not free the human soul from the bondage of sin. It is good to prosper but that doesn't come to replace the core gospel values. It is time for us to speak up and allow God to take us to dimensions hitherto never experienced. 

Is The Present Day Christianity Missing The Point?

As 2015 gets underway we are inundated with questions needing urgent answers, especially touching on Christendom. Flurry of religious activities are widely reported as some of us come to terms with high numbers of clerics on the rise almost in every corner of the globe save for areas that aren't predominantly Christian. It's a good thing to see such a surge in ministry related activities, but a close look at what is being disseminated will make one cringe, as spiritual protocols and etiquette are quashed with abandon.

I am not a proponent of religiosity neither an ardent fan of what is channeled out, that sidelines Christ from the core Christian theme and relegates him to lower cadres within the structures we have mischievously conceived.

Being a bible expositor is something of a boon when dealing with wrong exegesis which have been contrived with a clear motive to circumvent the truth; in order to entrench our own theological order. That said, it can't be used to embellish revelatory ideologies that undermine the power of the cross biblically speaking.

Reading in the bible how the church was conceived, and the way the structures were divinely ordained, prompt some of us to shudder as a result of what we see being aggressively rolled out in the name of advancing Kingdoms' principles. In the very quest for truth, man has devised his/ her revelatory order - that contradicts the very existence of the scriptures that captures the mind of God in the realm of revelation.

Today, we are seeing on social media, and other relevant platforms emergence of a new trend that betrays the foundational gospel message preached by early New Testament patriarchs. We see all manner of religious regalia worn by men of the cloth which epitomizes according to those donning such outfits " the calling to certain office and right to it," though not thus said in a categorical sense, but it Is seen to so imply.

Jesus Christ was so simple in his illustrations and he led rather a humble life. He didn't create larger than life image of himself in his ministry heydays, on this, there is sharp contrast to what is being advanced by the clergy today, in terms of illustration, interpretation and lifestyle, because they're busy creating a larger than life image of themselves. 

His modus operandi, if you may call it was unique, it left scores of pundits of the day in awe by sheer wisdom he wielded. The way he expounded scriptures to his audience was baffling, and with godly aura around him he kept everything simple, teaching servant hood among his disciples. 

Today the gospel is marred by controversial statements, albeit, from a look of things, this has emanated from principals adopted by would be custodians of the mysteries of God. We have seen sugar-coating of the gospel almost everywhere making the word of God of none effect by sets of traditional approaches not hinged on the scriptures; but all from our cultural dictates and tastes.

We select, handpick men and women and dole out ministries as candies in the guise of hearing supernatural voice leading us, of which the audience isn't allowed to question but nod in approval even when the exercise doesn't measure up to the word of God. There is a criterion set in determining spiritual avocation. It is not the head of the "See" to pronounce you to certain office, but God to call you to some spiritual office. 

Literal Translation 

Act 13:1  And in Antioch some among the existing assembly were prophets and teachers: both Barnabas and Simeon, he being called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Act 13:2  And while they were doing service to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, So then separate both Barnabas and Saul to Me, for the work to which I have called them.

Act 13:3  Then, having fasted and prayed, and placing hands on them, they let them go.

Looking at this very closely you will see that the office was not being doled out to yes men, or right hand people or cronies, but the very chosen of God into the apostolic office. No religious robes and rings were brought in, to be worn by them, neither was any liturgical order pronounced in carrying out a huge service which culminated in one donning fancy religious regalia and mimicking the apostolic succession order whatever that is.

We need to be sensitized on God's way of doing things, and be reminded that  man is fast abandoning that path in his quest for honor and prestige at the expense of the clarion call made by the Lord himself, which says He " take up your cross and follow me."

There are many scandals rocking the Christendom, because we have veered of the right path, and are now led by carnal dictates. We are busy competing for the worlds attention, instead of calling the world to Christ. Now what do we have in our midst? It's shame talking about those things reported in our midst, we can only say Lord have mercy on us. 

Why do we have doctrinal schism, if we all claim to ascribe to the same faith that has Jesus Christ as the head of the church? And why are we not cohesive enough in propagating the tenets of the Kingdom of God? It is because we are clouded with things that shouldn't be clouding us at this point in time. We must take heed and promote the gospel as illustrated by Christ, and live the gospel according to his command.

Our savior and Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood, paid the ransom and bought us with a price, we need to go back to the basics, and figure out where things went wrong, and revert to the first love. I do hope as I take in-depth analysis of what is gone wrong with a genuine heart, I will be able to find answers that will put me back to the track, and so is everyone called of God and has been agonizing over the very many things going wrong among the community of believers. God is ready to bless us, and move us to another level if we can acknowledge where we have erred and come back to him with humility. May this year see you promoted to another level in Jesus name!

Wave Of Glory

In the days leading to Pentecost, Jerusalem did bear witness to events that will alter religious history for ever. In those days, taxation, oppression, lack of spiritual insight, and confusion in religious order become the norm. Israel was reeling from scores of effects. Just as it is today, man, has been yearning for a drastic spiritual change.

 We have encountered all manner of teachers hyping us every day, employing every possible trick in the book in an effort to ready ourselves for things we should expect. Some are true, and others have no biblical backing. But many have danced along, embracing the rhythm, if only something drastic, and closer to Christ's bidding will be more achievable. God in heaven doesn't do anything through the eye of man, or through his (man) creativity. He doesn't behave like Baal, neither can he do things just because man is hyped in the same way the prophets of Baal got themselves hyped, and cut themselves - only to be mocked by prophet Elijah who fully understood spiritual dynamics in the days of his ministry.

Now a man from Nazareth came with a strong message that was full of authority. He didn't fear to claim publicly he had been send by his Father, to the chagrin of religious leaders of the day, who had for long loaded God's people with various yokes! In the Synagogues he spoke with authority on various topics. And no one would dare challenge him. "He opened the eyes of the blind, cast out devils, healed the lame, raised the dead to life, fed those who were hungry, to the utter consternation of the rabbinical order, whose words had no life, nor truth or grace."

As masses got confused,especially with  unfolding events, and other circumstantial evidences attributed to his accurate presage, he was ( Jesus) preparing his servants for the events that will precede his earthly ministry and into post-Christ ministry. He warned them of various dangers, and instructed them on how to comport themselves in such situations. He told them of his impending death, and how the sheep was going to be scattered after the Shephard is smitten. Peter ignored this by telling Christ, he will ( Peter) not abandon him, even if others did so, provoking Christ to tell him, he was going to deny him thrice before the rooster  crow. Mathew 26:34

This man was different: he was meek, dinning with sinners, and publicans until, he became the talk of the villages, towns, and cities. Even Judean King was desiring to see him. He made a grand entry into the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey, and the crowd went wild- saying "Hosanna Hosanna, blessed is he that comes in the name of The Lord,  by both who went before him and those who followed."  Mark 11:9

Before Passover, it had become obvious that his death was imminent. The religious leaders who were working tirelessly to see he is stopped in his trucks because of envy, went a head and plotted his killing. They picked him up at the garden where he had gone to pray in the company of his disciples. And they tortured him, and wrought evil on him that gives life. This was done to fulfill the scriptures. He was sentenced to die on the cross. And fear gripped Jerusalem, as his disciples abandoned him.

One notable thing took place when he gave his ghost on that tree, the whole place began to shake, and remember it was already dark, and the vail in the temple was rent from the top to the bottom; soldiers who were all along mistreating him, when they saw this, "confessed" surely this was the Son of God.
The disciples gripped with fear, could not believe he had resurrected from the dead, and,  "had became the first- born of the resurrection." He appeared to them a number of times, preparing them for the promise of the Father.

In the midst of fear, confusion, lack of direction, and hard questions being raised, a group of 120 people were already holed up in a room upstairs, praying and waiting for the promise told them when they saw him going up. It doesn't say they were fasting as some pundits suggest.

Jerusalem had been inundated with people from all walks of life. They were here for the feast of Pentecost. Events that took place during Passover week were still fresh on the minds of some. Then in the third hour of the day, something extra - ordinary happened. There was a great visitation on the persons holed upstairs, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost- speaking in tongues as God gave them ability. They spoke in languages of various people present. And clearly were they heard by those gathered in Jerusalem praising God. It was such great awakening. A marvelous site to behold, others were shocked to see these Jewish folks speaking in their respective dialects with clarity, the wondrous works of God. It was a turning point. But still some others had the audacity to mock them, saying, "these folks are intoxicated with new wine,"prompting Peter to deliver one of the most moving power packed sermon, that cut through their hearts resulting in them asking, "what should we do in order to be saved?" Peter gave them a ready answer, and about three thousands people were converted that day!
 Time is coming when "a wave of glory" will be seen. Peter quoted prophet Joel, who had prophesied that "God shall pour out of His spirit upon every flesh." And Joel says this shall be in the last days. When everything seem bleak, when questions seem not to attract any meaningful answer, when things are going awry, remember God hasn't forgotten his promise. He is calling out on his people, preparing them for the great out- pouring.

In the midst of all that is happening, we know there will be a wave of glory, one that has never been seen before.   Haggai 2:9 talks about the latter glory of this " house" shall be greater than the former. We are entering a critical stage, that calls upon us to be ready for the wave of glory that possibly may usher in his second coming. That is why the church has been engaged in a constant war by the enemy, so that she isn't ready. Keep your lamps burning with enough oil for the bridegroom is so close to coming.

The Intrigues Of The Times.

It has been conspicuously illusive in the gospel sphere in modern times, and we are at each other's neck constantly, apportioning all manner of blame, for that illusive gospel authority, with which the early church leaders wielded. Jesus Christ was categorical in his ministry here on earth, on what was fundamental, as it pertained to the gospel he presented to man kind.

Today, the Church has found herself grappling with many challenges.  And everyone is positioning himself or herself as the " truth" dispenser in this last days. Many a times the saints have been punching the air instead of hitting at the enemy who is prowling around. Ephesians 6:12 states " for we wrestle not against flesh and blood." It goes on to list what we wrestle against." When saints abdicate their spiritual responsibilities, then an avenue is created for deception to creep in. What most people don't realize is that " the enemy has thrived on deception." John 8:44
 " Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murder from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his on: for he is a liar and the father of it."

When examining that passage of scripture, it paints a clear picture of what the enemy does, and he is a father of it, and that is deception. Remember The Lord was saying this to a Jewish throng which was infuriated by what he had said to them. He told the throng that "if you continue in my word, you shall be my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

We need to know, for a fact - if we don't continue in his word, we shall not be his disciples indeed, and we shall not know the truth, and we won't be free from the deceptions, lusts, envyings and all the intrigues  of the master deceiver. The Lord made this plain. And it's our responsibility to grasp what he told his servants.

There are many things going on today that fit the enemy's billing. "when we lean on our initiatives, mundane strategies, and entertaining thoughts that are hostile to the word of God, we are in danger of being deceived. It is incumbent upon all those called as stewards of the mysteries of God, to do what is right in the eyes of God. Emulations, competitions, pulpit rhetoric and jabs aimed at tearing down each other, have derailed the demonstrative manifestation of God's power.  Paul tells the Corinth church that, "when I came to you, I never did it with oratory prowess, but rather with demonstration of Gods power"!
I have seen several times, wastage of energy when folks tried to prove to each other, who among them is endowed with Gods revelation, and truth. Arguments upon arguments, that never produced spiritual productivity, but enhanced strive, and doctrinal schism that split the church every often, losing thousands every year to the world they were escaping from.

        Intrigues
When we take stock of what is going on among the saints of God, you will be stunned. Remember Christ said vividly that "ye belong to your father the devil."And he went on to explain what manner of traits he has. "Scheming, spiritual murders, lies galore have become the order of the day." Few are ready to speak the truth, for fear of  antagonizing their cronies, who they know for sure have erred. Whereas spiritual hunger is quite noticeable today, many have been starved spiritually by our delicate handling of the message of the cross. We are borrowing heavily from the world. We use phrases and quotes from renowned philosophers. By so doing we think we look more educated in things of the kingdom, but alas, we come out stripped off our spiritual positioning.

While all this is going on, the enemy is in a celebratory mood, because of the intrigues he has sold to his adherents, who aren't even aware, that for sure they are advancing his deception and traits.

We can still see God in our lives, by way of doing what he told us. We are obligated to continue in his "word" and not words of other men. This way, when the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit shall lift up a standard against him. For us to see The Lord confirming his word, we must adhere to his instructions. If we don't,  then, we are advancing the traits of the deceiver. It doesn't matter how big in size one's congregation is, or  how his natural abilities are palpable, or the riches that catches human eye, if one doesn't observe the masters word, and continuing in it, such one is already deceived, and many shall he lead astray.

Saints need to hear God, and when they do, the preachers work is easy, and not intricate like most want it to be, so that many will depend on them, without ever standing on their own. But let us echo Paul's words to Timothy his son in the faith. He told him " study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." He knew how important that was in a young ministers life.

It's still important to most of us as well." Let's keep doing what is noble, and acceptable in his eyes.
To be continued.

We Need To Understand What Is Going ON.

In recent times we have seen tremendous fluctuations in the social, political and religious spectrum. What has also been gleaned leaves a lot to be desired when evaluating it in respect to what should be happening in the Christendom.

The mind boggling events have left in the “minds” of keen observers a rather shocking picture of what is shaping up. It is true that prophetic value attached to the times we find ourselves living in cannot be gainsaid. Interpretations on the prophetic has left many a scholar divided making it hard for all of us to see things as they should be viewed from the same page, since the bible speaks in unison, and the Spirit of God reveals to us what does not get captured by mental inclination.  The question will be “what does this potent to the seeker of truth”? Let us examine the same comparing it with situations as they were when people with the same desire lived in times of great prophetic fulfillment.

Understanding  'times' as did the sons of Issachar who the bible says understood times and were bound to tell Israel what she needed to do, is a great thing these days, and should be emulated for we have the Spirit of God.  1chronicles 12.32 and Romans 8.4

Few people had the privilege of knowing what was unfolding prior to the birth of Christ in those days preceding his ministry. Among those who had the chance to know about the events leading to Christ birth were, Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and prophetess Anna. I will not detail at length what each went through in life in order to be part of the history that changed religious foundation, but will only pinpoint one example to illustrate the point.

I will honestly say not all of us are part of what shapes the "religious world," not all religious folks relate in tandem  with what is to shape it either, only  few with an insight into heavenly matters have an inkling on the goings on  that touch favorably on  heavenly establishment, and the Kingdoms' master plan. The scribes and religious leaders were on the wrong page of history, though interestingly these men were convinced beyond reproach in their parochial wisdom that they were defending the famed Jewish religious institution. They missed a great opportunity. They fought one of the greatest spiritual wars ever waged against a great master and lost it, though they believed the battle had been won by crucifying him on the cross.

Jesus waited patiently for the right hour to kick- start the grand heavenly program that God put in place. He had come to sound a clarion call; this he never did by whims, but followed well laid down pattern that saw him triumph when circumstances were dictating otherwise. He never succumbed to any of the challenges, but surmounted every obstacle to the very end.

We have the Spirit of Christ within us, as compared to folks who lived during those old times. One vivid thing that stands out was the emotional approach exhibited by the Children of Israel, and which clearly took centre stage during Christ’s time. This was due to the single fact, that most of them were carnally inclined, seeing things with earthly lenses than being led by the Spirit. When our savior saw the emerging of John the Baptist to herald his first advent, he knew right away his time had come, and went to him to be baptized. Confirmation was sounded immediately when the Spirit of God like a dove lighted on him, with the voice speaking “this is my son in whom I am well pleased." The Spirit led him in the wilderness to be tempted for forty days. After forty days, he overcame the tempter coming back triumphantly to set what will change, and alter history of the Jewish nation.

We need to understand our times.  There is need to ask ourselves, why are  we experiencing  the perils, conflicts, economic meltdown, political squabbles, selfishness, and lack of morals, hatred, malice, sickness, poverty and other things happening today? What is God saying to us after repenting and wailing every day? There is great need to evaluate, and take stock of our spiritual lives and see where the rain started beating us.

Jesus did not change his message to suit what the larger audience was demanding. He bonded with the idea of salvation to mankind, loved it, cherished it lived it to the end, and wrestled control from the enemy who was not budging. He laid his life down, not driven by selfish intent, rather sticking to heavenly agenda to the end. He saw many disillusioned people just as we have many today, he saw many in chains needing deliverance, and as sheep herded around without a shepherd, he saw Israel in that manner. This was his driving force, and no amount of intimidation from religious circles or political dictates of the day were going to stop him or blur his cause.

Today it is evident and we are agreed to some extend that many did start well, but along the way the vision was clouded as a result of many things that distracted the right start. We are giving in to greed, love for money, and other selfish interests, which have made the word we preach of none effect. The word should have effect and the word is profitable if duly embraced and followed to the later.

There will always be a people who will guide others in times of great perils. This is always a small group that will never allow itself to be sold to whims and agendas that do not honor God. They are vilified, criticized, seen as social outcasts, and with no well cut conventional and traditional taste. Prior to the news about his birth, it seemed as though God had stopped communicating with people in the nation of Israel. That is not the case as we see God revealing to Simeon in the temple how he was not going to die before he sets his eyes on the savior. This goes to show us who are expectant of God’s great move in our time that though things look messed up in religious sphere, we have a people God is going to use to draw back his people to the right causes.

Many people are going through various forms of agonizing aspects. Some have lost hope, others battling to save lives which have been destroyed by diseases. Money markets are threatened by imminent economic collapse and jobs are being lost. We hear of people being homeless, others suffering from depression. In times such as these we need a voice that is bold enough to sensitize people on what the Word of God entails and the promises galore enshrined in it.

We need to put on Christ, and have the love he had, care for those who need to be cared for, reach out to those in pain, not manipulating them, and taking advantage of their situations, making them worse than prior to what they were. The world needs to see the love of God spread, and his son preached according to the command he gave. Moses told the children of Israel “if you shall listen to my commandments diligently which I command you this day to love God as I have commanded you this day and serve him with all your heart and soul, then the Lord will send you in due cause the latter rains, that you may gather corn, wine and oil” Deuteronomy 11.32.

If we are going to do the same, and to love God and observe his commands, for sure he will bless us. He will send the latter rain, and we shall be full in every aspect, but if we do not observe what needs to be observed, then instead of blessings curses will rule. Moses said to children of Israel I have put before you blessings and curses, and it was incumbent upon them to choose either blessings or curses. Let us read the times and understand them, after which we shall do what is acceptable in the eyes of God. There is no situation no matter how it looks like that is too complex for God; despite the situations fury, with God everything is possible. I am seeing the sick recover, those afflicted being visited upon by God and salvation coming a people’s way as the truth is discoursed without fear and compromise.

We need to continue believing in God no matter the dictates coming from various fronts with negative intent; we have to stand on the principles of Christ to the end. And he is going to confirm his word with signs following. Only those who have purposed in their hearts to walk in this path will realize what is expressed in the word of God.

For revival to come, and get the desired results then we need to step in the unknown not according to the imaginative human mind, and when we capture it, tap into the spiritual realm, seeing those things the world is not seeing today.

Dr. Ephantus

Do All You Can This Year!

A woman had spent 12 years in great agony. Every single day when the sun will go up, she will gaze and ponder on her dilemma. When the malady gripped her, she presumed maybe she will come over it, with few visits to the physicians. This was never to be as she soon realized, no medic, or anything was alleviating the agony. She had tried it spiritually and the clergy were unable to find a solution to this malady which started as a normal issue of blood.

In those days a young man in his 30's and his roots traced to David, though hailing from Nazareth had began series of preaching and teachings. The way he operated was quite unconventional.  He had a group of 12 people that were referred to as his “disciple’s. They consisted of men with no educational background to boast off. Some were fishermen as their trade suggested, and others among them tax collectors, and the nobodies according to the classification of man. His mode of operation was causing ripples and riveting in the land. It was rumored that the religious institution was unease with his way of operation. He had time and again gone against the grain. This man was ruffling the religious feathers the hard way; soon schemes were being hatched on how to cut his influence that was steadily growing with each passing day. The message he delivered resonated well with common people to the chagrin of the religious leaders who envied him because they believed that the clout, and grip on the spiritual matters was being lost.

Among the things he did, he brought a lot of freedom to the oppressed, and to those who had been maligned by divers’ issues. It never escaped notice that stories abound touching on great signs he had done by the fingure of God which were true and substantiated that, “he had made the sick recover, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dumb given utterance, and the blind saw. This did not auger well with the doctrine of the religious leaders who seemed keen to protect their turf which was being challenged by a nobody according to their understanding, other than  being a carpenter’s son, who now laid claim to God among all who cared to listen suggesting the Mighty God, the deliverer of the nation of Isreal was indeed his own Father. Wherever he went he was followed by huge crowds, which consisted of all folks across the religious affiliation, who were now yearning for total emancipation as a result of the suffering inflicted to them spiritually and economically.

Many were now viewing him as the fulfillment of the prophecy, and this made his detractors uncomfortable. Others were willing to forcefully crown him as their King in a mundane way. He had resisted such moves, terming them us outrageous, saying his Kingdom was not earthly but established in heaven above. This message send mixed signals to his admirers in equal measure as it was received by his detractors. His own people thought he had gone bonkers, and desired to force him out of such moves, seeing it as a deliberate move by one of their own who had gone crazy. But the more they struggled to come to terms with the unfolding events, he never relented. He kept making the clarion call to all and sundry inviting them to His Fathers Kingdom. He reiterated that whosoever will believe in him, will not only have brought upon him or herself good, but will be absolutely freed from all the ills bedeviling humanity.

Such a message had never been heard before, with masses especially accustomed to the traditional way of worship, which entailed making a trip to Jerusalem, and participating in annual ritual before the High priest.  Who will offer sacrifices for himself and the people and call on God on their behalf asking God to uphold justice, forgive the people, and liberate them from all the ills, making them a strong nation on earth as he had promised.

 Even before this ministry had started in Nazareth, and now was the talk of the nation, this woman had already bore the brunt of the disease. She was spending her meager resources in trying to get rid of the disease. There was much opposition towards his ministry, the nation was divided, and no one seemed to shed light on the truth about this man who was being viewed as nuisance by the elders, and a great fraud because he was laying claim to Yahweh as being his true Father.

“What am I going to do?” She   thought. Miracles were being reported, yes there was also another man who was his contemporary and his name was John. He had eloquently stated that indeed he was not the messiah, though thousands including the religious leaders had gone to him to be baptized in the Jordan River.  Reports indicated he was now dead. He died when incarcerated in prison, Herod had kept him there. He was a no nonsense man who rebuked the King for taking his brother’s wife. Fate conspired against him, when the king was celebrating his birthday. In the palace were many invited guests who were noble. Then the daughter staged one of the greatest dances that moved everyone present. The king told her to place her request even if it meant half of the kingdom, it will be granted. Not knowing what to ask for, the girl ran to the mother, who told her what to ask for. It was supposed to be the head of John. Dismayed, because the King had respect for John, nevertheless with the pledge made before the dignitaries present, he was not going to show his weaker side, he ordered the beheading of John. Everyone,  and  including the  aggrieved  had come to know of the fact,  that People were beginning to entertain  the idea of  Jesus being  John the Baptist who had  come back  to life. All this was confusing. What was she going to do now?

In recent times, the same confusion has been noted. The suffering has been great to many people and painfully aggravating the already fragile faith. Who are you going to trust? One person is saying this, another that, who are you going to trust? The story commence in Luke 8:41

 It is a story of hemorrhaging woman, afflicted, wrenched and her saving depleted in trying to find a cure to the hemorrhage. According to the law she was unclean. She remained in that state for 12 years. She needed a solution to this bizarre disease. She was unaccompanied by the husband when she came behind the press to touch the hedge of Jesus garment, which has left room to speculation that the husband might have abandoned her.

Today many have been abandoned, they have suffered many untold things, and others are suffering in silence. Undeterred by what clouded the ministry of this man from Galilee, she was willing to do all within her power and reach, to have the problem come to an end once and for all. Her hopes had diminished, the savings were now gone as the bible in that passage suggests. On that day Jesus was mobbed by a great throng, and many were pressing hard. This woman knew she had no time to waste in booking an appointment with any of the disciples or other folks who followed Jesus daily. She did not have time to waste. On sensing no option out of her dilemma, she settled on the thought which crossed her mind, there and there she perceived a sense of urgency and a voice would say inside her “touch the fringe of his garment”. Slowly she moved and drew closer, then by an act of faith touched the fringe of the garment, and immediately the hemorrhage fountain ceased. Jesus felt a healing virtue go out of him, and knew someone had been healed. Not wanting the whole saga to go unnoticed, he said “who touched me?” and the disciples were ready to give an explanation which lacked knowledge of the goings on in the spiritual set up. And the woman afraid, came forward and said “it is I who touched you, and immediately my blood stopped coming out” with this Jesus said “daughter your faith has healed you” From this episode 2,000 years ago we learn one thing, “not to allow what we see and hear bog us down” She had spend all, her savings severely depleted. But when she heard about Jesus she saw her situation come to an end. In spite of the crowd surging forward, and others wanted to present their petition to him in person. The woman had no time for this, opting to touch the fringe of his garment.

I may not understand what for years has been going on in your life, I may not beware of your dilemmas, but Jesus does. When everything is gone awry, folks have given up on you, Jesus has not given up on you. You need to step out of the spiritual cocoon, come before the Lord and lay the burden bear. God tells Jeremiah that he is the Lord God of all flesh and nothing is too hard for him! Jeremiah 32:27.  

2012 is a year you need to come out of everything that has depleted your savings, or inflicted you. It is a year of healing and great victory over the oppressing enemy. Whether you have suffered financially or health wise your time to have the problem dealt with is now.

Jesus came to set the captives free, to give peace to them who for many years have never known peace. Let not the captivity of yesteryears take toll on you. If this woman would have listened to the many voices speaking at the time touching on Christ’s ministry, she would not have received the remedy to her malady. She did the wise thing. We need to do the wise thing and not to listen to divers antagonistic elements, that certain of the voices are bringing to our attention.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever more. No matter what you are  going through today, the Lord has the answer to everything that is weighing us down.

I see someone receiving healing from the Lord. I see your promotion come. Your prayers are answered today. He is confirming to you his love.  Arise; shine, for your glory has come! It is your year.

Dr. Ephantus