The Canon

The canon of Scripture refers to the list of books recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and practice. Our word canon is derived from the Hebrew qaneh and the Greek kanon, meaning a “reed” or a “measuring stick.” The term came to mean the standard by which a written work was measured for inclusion in a certain body of literature. The books of the Bible are not inspired because humans gave them canonical status. Rather, the books were recognized as canonical by humans because they were inspired by God. As Wegner explains, the books of the Old Testament “did not receive their authority because they were placed in the canon; rather they were recognized by the nation of Israel as having divine authority and were therefore included in the canon.”1 The community of faith did not create the Scriptures; rather, the Scriptures helped to create the community of faith by giving form and substance to its identity and system of beliefs. The order and arrangement of the Hebrew canon is different from that of our English Bibles. The Hebrew canon consists of three major sections, the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Writings (Kethuvim). Collectively they are referred to as the Tanak (an acrostic built on the first letters of these three divisions—TNK).

  The Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, first employed the fourfold division of the Old Testament into Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetical Books, and Prophetic Books that is used in the English Bible. The inclusion of historical books within the prophetic section of the Hebrew canon reflects their authorship by the prophets. Daniel appears in the Writings rather than the Prophets because Daniel was not called to the office of prophet even though he functioned as a prophet from time to time. Chronicles at the end of the canon provides a summary of the entire Old Testament story from Adam to Israel’s return from exile though it was written from a priestly perspective. The Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament includes seven apocryphal books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus or Sirach, Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, and 1 and 2 Maccabees) written during the Intertestamental period, as well as additional materials for the books of Esther and Daniel.2 The Eastern Orthodox Church also recognized these works as canonical, as well as four additional compositions (1 Esdras, Psalm 151, 3 and 4 Maccabees, and the Prayer of Manasseh). When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the commandments God gave him, the people of Israel immediately recognized their divine authority and promised to raise up a succession of prophets “like Moses” to speak His word for subsequent generations, and the pronouncements of these messengers of God would also be recognized as possessing divine authority. The prophet Samuel wrote down laws of kingship that were deposited before the Lord when the monarchy was established in Israel (1 Sam 10:25). David’s extensive writings came to be recognized as inspired Scripture because the Spirit of God spoke through him (2 Sam 23:1–2), and the words of the prophets came to be placed alongside the Torah in the Hebrew Scriptures because of the self-authenticating message. Histories, psalms, and wisdom writings recognized as coming from others speaking with a prophetic voice were also similarly respected and preserved. WHEN WAS THE PROCESS COMPLETED? Jewish tradition affirmed that prophecy ceased in Israel c. 400 BC after the ministry of Malachi. First Maccabees 9:27 states, “So there was great distress in Israel, such as had not been since the time that the prophets ceased to appear among them.” Baruch 85:3 makes a similar claim, and the Jewish Talmud states that the Holy Spirit departed from Israel after the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi in the early postexilic period. While some questions remained regarding some of the “writings” that were already included in Scripture (e.g., Esther) even until the Council of Jamnia in AD 90, the evidence suggests that the Hebrew canon was essentially completed and fixed by 300 BC. All of the canonical books of the Old Testament, except for Esther, appear among the copies of the Dead Sea Scrolls (250 BC–AD 70) We are therefore duty-bound to understand through His Spirit the importance of that selection. Every bible student has to go to the bottom of what is handed us, and learn those things, so that we are not swayed in anyway by those who distorted the word, or cast aspersions at the inspired work of God.

Being Thankful

Giving thanks in the midst of trials, or persecution has always been a tough thing to do. Whereas most of us will love a quick solution out of what we are facing, sometimes it doesn't work out as we thought at the beginning. We have to understand that God will not allow us to go through trials we can't be able to bear. 1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 There are many people today who are going through some tough moments in their lives, some are chided for the positions they have taken in God simply because it would've been expected of them to succumb at the weight of such trying moments. Understanding what is happening around you, will help you to withstand the pressure. Jesus Christ, knew what was set before him; that he defied Satan, when he tried to entice him with power and glory alleging all of it was given to his power, which prompted CHRIST to tell him " get thee behind me Satan for it is written; you shall only worship God and him shall you serve."

 David too, had some low moments. He could not be allowed to fight alongside the philistines against his own nation which was headed by Saul. The lords of the philistines advised the king against involving David and his militia group In the battle against Israel. David left Achish, and came to Ziklag where his family and the families of the men following him as his rag tag army had been left behind, a place appointed for him by Achish, only to find out that the place had been overrun by the Amalakites, and the camp burned, and the families taken captive. Every man was talking about stoning David, for every man wept for his sons and daughters until power was not left in them to weep. David encouraged himself in the Lord, and he was assured recovery of what seemed impossible to recover at that hour. We need to put our trust in the Lord in such agonizing moments in order to secure victory against our enemy.

 I have learned that, the moment God tells you to do something for him, the enemy will try to stir what can be stirred up in order to derail your focus, and blur your vision as it pertains to fulfillment that you need to fulfill. But in situations like these, what is needed is to keep trusting in God, and praising him for victory, and having faith that you will accomplish the mission. It's very rare to praise God in hard times, but if you can honor God, praise him, trust in him, clearly understand what he is capable of doing, then nothing can come in between you and God, and you're assured of great victory against the adversary. When Paul and Silas, were rounded, beaten, and thrown in jail, they didn't harbor hard fillings against the magistrates. Though they had been flogged, they summoned courage in the midst of that situation, and at midnight they prayed and sang hymns to God, and the precious Lord set them free by shaking the foundation of the very jail they were put in. The jail man almost took his life because he assumed that the prisoners had escaped, but Paul cried out aloud asking him not to do himself harm for they hadn't escaped. And he (jail man) asked them what he should do in order to be saved, and Paul told him to be believe in Jesus Christ and his household will be saved as well. He brought them to his house, set a meal before them, and washed the wounds inflicted on them as a result of the beating they initially received. This is what God does to us, when we don't complain, or murmur especially when faced with situations that are dire. He is our hope in every situation. Are you going through tough moments? If yes, then let your spiritual eyes be firmly fixated on the Lord, and he shall deliver you from any situation that you find yourself in today. The bible clearly tells us, that he is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not sleep neither slumber and his word is yes and amen!

Calling The Fire Down

It's not easy for us of this generation to grasp the weight of certain things; particularly thus, by virtue of God's unhindered ways of doing things. The precious Lord  has always been with his people inspite of  many obstacles that have been laid in the path of His people.

I look at the Bible characters and I am awed by the simplicity with which they carried themselves: yet these men and Women of God wielded such great power and authority, especially at a time when full manifestation of the Holy Spirit was not evident. What would happen in those days was for the spirit of God to come upon them, and the Lord would use them. But this never stopped them from showing off the works of God in their generations time.

Jas 5:17  Elijah was a man of like feeling to us, and he prayed in prayer for it not to rain; and it did not rain on the earth three years and six months.

Jas 5:18  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth caused its fruit to sprout. 

This interests me, when I come to understand conditions in which Elijah operated in. Harsh realities dawned on him and other prophets, that they could not freely operate without attracting the wrath of the King and his wicked wife. Idolatry was the norm, and the house of Ephraim had been carried along with the craze of worshipping foreign deities. Does this somehow mirror what is going on albeit in a different way?

His ( Elijah) Spirit was vexed, and he wasn't going to conform himself to aspects that contradicted what God had handed to their fathers; and which were well articulated by the Lord.

 He ( God) made it clear to them the consequences of defying his  Law.  Elijah spoke about the nation of Israel going without rain and dew, till his word came to pass. This was a sign to this nation that comprised ten tribes of Israel that God wasn't happy with the manner in which they were straying from what he had given them, and that was very evident. The bible doesn't tell us whether Judah was affected by this, since it's clear the words were precisely directed at Ahab who was the instigator of Ephraim's house backsliding tendencies. The house of David had its share of battles but this word seems to be so particular as to which house was going to be affected. And God honored Elijah's word.

The bible makes it very clear how Elijah was zealous and jealous for Jehovah because the children of Israel had forsaken the covenant.

1Ki 19:10  And he said, Being zealous, I have been zealous for Jehovah the God of Hosts, for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant; they have thrown down Your altars, and they have killed Your prophets with the sword, and I am left, I alone, and they seek to take my life.

It shows here why he was able to call for the shutting of the heavens, and not a single drop of rain was to be seen in the land until his word came to pass. Such actions can only be associated with people that really love the Lord and not the world. Folks that are truly sold to the causes of God. And such God will never forsake nor fail to answer the prayers directed at him by those who love him this much.

When God finally told him that he was going to bring rain, "since most likely others who loved him were praying that he causes it to rain."  We see what unfolds. Elijah wants everyone to know why it never rained, and who was supposed to be worshipped. He wanted them to see the difference and not follow Baal blindly, for Baal was subjecting them to the wrath of God. He tells Ahab to bring four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of the grove for a contest on Mt Carmel.

Elijah takes an opportunity to deride and upbraid Ahab and Israel for the nation's backsliding tendency, and he gives those ministering to false deities a chance to prove to the nation as to whether those deities can match the sovereign power of God. He says to them this - "God that answers by fire is the one to be worshipped."

 It takes great courage to engage a nation this way, more so when you're aware that your life is on the line if God fails to answer by fire.

Of truth God doesn't disappoint. When you truly seek him, and have a desire for people to see the difference between him and other aspects that are distracting his people from  acknowledging his greatness, let it be known candidly that he will not let down his people at such moments. He honored Elijah by sending fire to consume the sacrifice placed on the repaired alter. And when Israel saw this, they fell on their knees and cried out aloud and said " the Lord is the God, the Lord is the God"

Time has come when the Holy Ghost fire need to be evidenced in our midst. When people see the glory of God, they shall whole-heartedly embrace him. We need to change tact, pray without ceasing like Elijah did, demonstrate his love and presence, and we shall see the flames of revival all over again. Let us come and worship him with a clean and pure heart, that hungers and craves for him, and we shall see a great spiritual awakening in our times. Blessed be the Lord God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob. He is a powerful God and nothing is impossible with him!

Understanding God's Redemptive Purpose In Genesis

The Genesis account of creation also contradicts secular evolution, which theorizes that all life, including humans, evolved over billions of years from lower life forms by natural processes. Theories of origins that accommodate evolution (gap theory, day theory, age theory, revelatory day theory, theistic evolution, etc.) have all generally proven inadequate explanations of the obvious contrast between the biblical account of creation and general evolutionary theory. The results of the naturalistic evolutionary hypothesis have left a spiritual void that “erases all moral and ethical accountability and ultimately abandons all hope for humanity.

The major crisis for the newly created world comes in chapter 3 with the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. This resulted in their expulsion from the garden of Eden because of their sinful acts of rebellion against God. Their descendants followed in the rebellious ways of their parents, resulting in what would become the beginning of the continuing story of human depravity and its terrible consequences. Spiritual death and human suffering came immediately as the result of their sin and eventually led to their physical death (3:3,19). As a result, apostle Paul observes, “death reigned” because of Adam’s sin (Rom 5:14). Thus, the one biblical doctrine for which there is no lack of empirical evidence is the depravity of the human race.

While the immediate consequences of human sin brought guilt, shame, fear, and broken communication with the Creator (Gen 3:7–13), God graciously confronted Adam and Eve asking, “Where are you?” (3:9) and “What is this you have done?” (3:13). After pronouncing the penalty for their sin, God provided for their redemption by clothing their inadequacy (3:21) and predicting their ultimate salvation by the “seed” of the woman who would “crush” (NIV) the head of the serpent (3:15). This promise of the annihilator of the wicked instigator by the promise of a human conqueror was the first prophecy of the Bible. It has often been called the protoevangelium or what Aalders called “the gospel announced by God Himself to our first parents.”7 No time frame is indicated, but the bible reader would see the first ray of hope to enlighten the human predicament.

Most importantly, the protoevangelium (Gen 3:15) made clear that one day God would send one who would defeat God’s enemy. This would eventually allow for the restoration of everything to God’s original design and restore man’s position as theocratic administrator. Thus, the information presented in Genesis 1–3 would help Israel understand why redemption was necessary. Putting this together with Gen 12:1–3 would help any keen reader understand why the nation was singled out for the special purpose of mediating God’s redemptive blessings. Such blessings would ultimately restore God’s original intent in creation that was lost in the fall.

The material matter collected in the reading of Genesis will therefore bring to light the redemptive purpose. And why it was prudent for the child to be born, grow and defeat the enemy.

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!