THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL (25)

During the Sunday service, Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached a sermon titled: The Poor in spirit shall experience miracles. This sermon in one in the series called ‘The Power of the Gospel’. Her main text was taken from the Book of Romans: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:16, 17).

THE DOCTRINE OF MIRACLES

Miracles are acts of God, by His omnipotent power. For God ‘nothing is impossible’.  A miracle is God’s direct work upon His creation, without passing thru secondary causes (the law of nature or the work of man). A miracle results from the direct and free exercise of the supernatural power of God. Some say that miracles do not exist because God who created nature will not disturb the natural laws. But this is a lie. God is sovereign in the way He chooses to operate, directly (miracles) or indirectly (thru nature or the activity of men), for His glory and for His children’ good! Many deny miracles. They call them ‘accidents.’ The greatest miracle: the incarnation of our Lord, the resurrection of our Lord and our salvation. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s grace and mercy, are the basic source of miracles! You cannot produce or buy a miracle. But you can do something that will ‘facilitate’ and miracle: Go closer to Jesus! “Come close to God and He will come close to you” (James 4:8). You go to places where you hear God’s Word and meet others who have faith. You separate yourself from anything that corrupts or damages your faith. Ex. Blind Bartimaeus positioned himself that day begging ‘along the road’. That is not the best place to sit and beg (the sun is hot, the rain may fall, cars may accident him). But that was the closest he could go to Jesus. He then waited for the Master (possibly praying in his heart). He had faith in the mercy of God! His faith made him ‘a nuisance’ to others. But he ignored them who tried to keep him quiet. He shouted louder and louder for Jesus until He called him. Jesus said that his faith made him well (Mark 10:46:52). These are some scriptures to boost your faith in the God of miracles: Job 42:2; Jer 32:17, 27

THE POOR IN SPIRIT

“Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people… And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 4:23; 5:1-3). To be poor in Spirit is the basic description of the child of God. Some have it more and others have it less, but nobody enters the Kingdom of heaven without this quality. The Gospel’s power and glory is that it changes men, from sinners to saints. The first work of the Holy Spirit is to convict men of sin and to humble them. Once they are totally humbled, the Holy Spirit fills them and lifts them from despair. The Kingdom of heaven (or of God) is the area where Jesus is recognized as King and men submit to His rule and reign. Simeon prophesied that Jesus was born to humble men so that He can give them eternal life. The world will hate His Kingdom’s rule; it is a sign that they will oppose to their own destruction. “Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against” (Luke 2:34). A vessel must be emptied before it can be filled! You must die to self, in humility and shame, the work of the Cross, before you can rise in the power and glory of resurrection! The Cross is before the Crown! Repentance is before saving faith! This is a law of the Kingdom of heaven!

Blessed are the poor in spirit! For theirs (and only theirs) is the Kingdom of heaven! The word Blessed, in Greek, means to be happy, to be envied, to be congratulated. The poor in spirit are the only happy people on earth! To be poor in spirit is a spiritual quality produced by the Holy Spirit. It is genuine humility. How do you see yourself before God? The world, the unbelievers hate to be poor in spirit. What they appreciate is self-confidence. An unbeliever is proud about who he is, what he has done and what he has: good looks, wealth, education, natural gifts, human connections, place of birth, nationality, race, or social standing. The main description of the unbeliever is boasting about himself! He praises himself! To be poor in spirit it means complete absence of pride. You see yourself as you really are before God, who is your Creator and the Judge of all. In the presence of God, you see the truth about yourself: that you are nothing and you can do nothing by yourself! You discover that all your boasting about yourself was complete foolishness. You discover that to live, you need God’s Grace and Mercy. All men who are poor in spirit have had an encounter with God, with the Lamb upon the Throne. Their pride died and they felt like dead men. God lifted them up by His Grace and power.  God humbles men to bless and use them! For example, Abraham was a humble man. He saw himself as ‘dust and ashes’ before God (Gen 18:27). King David saw himself as ‘a dead dog; a flea’ (1 Sam 24:14). Moses was more humble that all men on the face of the earth at that time. God punished Mariam for talking against this humble man (Numbers 12:3). God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble who draws closer to Him! Repent of pride! Humble yourself and God will lift you! 

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST is the best example of a Man who was poor in the spirit. He totally depended on God the Father for the words He spoke and the authority He used as a Man on earth (John 5:19, 30; 14:10). Jesus said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30)

THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER

A man sick with leprosy came to Jesus. Leprosy is a symbol of sin. It was an incurable disease at that time, a slow painful death. He came to Jesus. He knelt and worship Jesus. He begged Jesus for healing. In fear, others ran away from him. But Jesus drew closer, stretched His hand and touched this man. In Greek, the word ‘touch’ is to forcefully grab somebody; like an anchor grabbing the stone to stabilize the sheep during the storm. Jesus said: “I am willing!” This verb is at present tense, signifying that He is now and forever willing to touch and heal you. As Jesus spoke, immediately, like a demon disgraced and running away, the leprosy left him. The man wanted simple healing, just to stop the progression of the dreaded disease. But the Lord did more than that. He made the fingers grow back and removed all the ugly scars. He made him whole. He cleansed him! Jesus always gives more than we ask him to do. He healed the man’s body, soul and spirit. This is the Touch of the Master! May you experience His touch. You will never be the same again! Worship the Lord!    

Prophetic scripture

Serve God with enthusiasm! ENTHUSIASM is doing something you love; do it with passion, with zeal, with excitement, investing effort, time and resources. The root of the word: ‘enthusiasmus’ (in Greek) means: to be inspired or possessed by God. In used to be a religious word. Now, it means strong emotion compelling action! “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope … Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11,12; NKJ; 11 CEV)

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest” (Ecc 11:4)

Child of God, you must serve God ‘anyhow’ (do it always, no matter the circumstances). Stop looking for excuses. Life on earth can never be perfect. Only heaven has streets of gold. In good times and in bad times, in season and out of season, in poverty and in riches, in sickness and in health, no matter how, preach the Word of God, pray or help somebody! God will reward you openly! The greater the opposition, the greater the harvest! Just do it!

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4)

Yesterday, I received this wonderful testimony, how the Holy Spirit filled a sister in Christ. She is a committed Christian, a godly wife and mother. As a mother in Christ and pastor, it gives me great joy to see that more and more brethren come closer to the Lord Jesus and love Him more than material gifts! I use her testimony as a point of contact for others who desire to walk by faith and not by sight! Once you are born again, you desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit, you block all distractions and focus on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, in an humble attitude of worship, you can have the same experience! This testimony is given to the glory of God, to the defeat of satan and for the encouragement of other brethren! Praise the Lord!

“Good evening Malia! I am grateful for today and most especially for the Word of God through your teaching each week. I believe the Word was for me today. These series on Faith, hope and God’s promises have been an eye opener, I hunger for more Faith in God. To God alone be the glory. Each day I look forward to spending quiet time with my heavenly Father. For me it’s not how long or short, but only the privilege to have the alone time with Him. Malia I want to share my testimony of God’s power and mighty presence upon my life today, it is to the glory and exultation of God. In church today, when you prayed and asked us to pray, thanking God for what he has already done and that we shouldn’t be ashamed or look right or left at anyone, but on the Lord, at that moment I asked the Lord that all I wanted and needed was him, in my life (all of Him and none of me) and family. To the glory of God, his power filled me up. Malia it is an experience I desire to fill every moment of my life, I lost all control, no restrictions/inhibitions, only the flow of God’s sweet presence. I feel at peace and joyous knowing that King Grace is King over my life Forever. Thank You Lord Jesus! To God alone be all the glory and honor and adoration! Your daughter…”

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL (24)

FAITH IS THE SUPPORT AND THE PROOF OF HOPE

During the Sunday service, Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh continued preaching about the power of the Gospel. Her main text was taken from the Book of Romans: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” … What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness…(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (Rom 1:16, 17; 4:1-5; 4:17-25)

FAITH AND HOPE IN GOD’S PROMISES ARE ALWAYS FULFILLED Abraham discovered the power of faith and hope in God’s promises; faith and hope never fail! He will never be put to shame, disappointed, regret having faith and hope in God Almighty!

PROMISE – a vow to do something good in the future! God’s Promises give us the right to hope until the manifestation comes!

FAITH is defined as (present) belief, confidence, total trust in God. It is also faithfulness (faith is not on and off; it continues faithfully to the end of life. All the ‘heroes of faith’ kept their faith to their last breath. We need to do the same.

HOPE is defined as a joyful constant expectation of good in the future. The promises given by God in His Word will become manifest visibly. Hope is invisible. Faith sees the invisible hope and carries on until it becomes visible. Hope fulfills faith. That is why hope is stronger than faith. Faith does not backslide! Faith is not a coward! Faith pleases God! (Heb 11:6)“But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul… Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen… Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]” (Heb 10:39, 11:1; NKJ; AMP)Faith is – present active verb – means I exist, I am; Substance –Give substance, confirm, validate, support under, justify, uphold; Evidence – proof, documentation, testimony, manifestation… Faith is the foundation of hope. Faith is connected to the hearing of God’s Word. It is the underground bridge leading and supporting hope. True faith and hope in God will never put you to shame! They will never disappoint you! Faith and hope can never become bitterness. These are fruits of the Holy Spirit working in your heart. It is worth it to take ‘risk’ with God! God knows that you are trusting Him and waiting on Him. “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us… Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” (Rom 5:5; 10:11).

THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM

*Abraham believed that God has justified him, that he is a child of God. God’s approval cannot be earned. It is by Grace! Out of this basic faith the overflow of faith manifests that God will answer other prayers. Only a child of God can believe the supernatural promises of God! Faith never takes the first step. Faith is a reaction the Word of King Grace! Never focus on faith alone. You cannot manipulate faith! Faith has a living vision! “Look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2)*The Faith is Abraham is the pattern of approved faith for all believers! *Faith trusts the bare Word of God! Faith does not need other supports to believe God’s promises! Faith is pure and connects with God’s Word! Unbelief is sin and an insult to God! ‘Whatever is not from faith is sin’ (Rom 14:23)*Faith acts on the Word. God changed his name from Abram (exulted father) to Abraham (father of nations); Sarai (Princess) to Sarah (mother of nations). From the time God changed their names, they too addressed themselves as Abraham and Sarah! By faith, Abraham left his family and hometown not knowing where he is going (Heb 11:8). True faith has action and fruits! *Faith is born, manifests and grows in the presence of God. Faith relates to your personal walk with God, with your holiness, with faithfulness and daily obedience to God’s Word. You need to read and study the Bible daily, fast, pray and serve God. Be faithful in attending church services, for ‘faith comes by hearing. and hearing comes by the Word of God’ (Rom 10:17). You need to learn the ‘holy skill’ of staying, abiding and walking in the Center of the flow of the Holy Spirit. By the power of the Spirit, kill the misdeeds of the body. Flesh lusts against the Spirit and is addicted to doubt, anxiety, restlessness, and worry. You need to walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Gal 5:16). Disappoint the flesh! The spirit will rise! *God called Abraham when he was weak. Sarah was already barren (Gen 11:30). God’s Grace comes in your weakness and stirs faith!*Faith does not deny the problems. Abraham knew that he and Sarah have serious challenges to have children. Naturally, it was impossible! Abraham was hundred years old. He was as good as ‘dead’. Sarah’s womb at ninety, was also ‘dead’. Abraham looked above the problems and natural limitations, towards the Almighty God who promised children and is able to fulfill the promises. Faith does not deceive itself but totally trust God. Faith masters all impossibilities! Faith is always accompanied by testimonies! Worship the Lord!

Prophetic scripture: “Love never fails!” (1Cor 13:8) The word ‘fail’ in Greek it means: ‘Love will never be hissed out of life’s stage, like a bad actor.’ Love never ends but lasts forever! Love God and love your neighbor! That is the taste of heaven!

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL (23) FAITH IS THE KEY THAT OPENS THE PROMISES OF GOD

Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series called ‘The Power of the Gospel’. Her main text was taken from the Book of Romans: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” … What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness…(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (Rom 1:16, 17; 4:1-5; 4:17-25) FAITH AND HOPE IN GOD’S PROMISES ARE ALWAYS FULFILLED Abraham discovered the power of faith and hope in God’s promises; that faith and hope never fail! He will never be put to shame, disappointed, regret having faith and hope in God Almighty! PROMISE – Is a vow to do something good in the future!

FAITH is defined as (present) belief, confidence, total trust in God. It is also faithfulness (faith is not on and off; it continues faithfully to the end of life. All the ‘heroes of faith’ kept their faith to their last breath. We need to do the same. HOPE is defined as a joyful constant expectation of good in the future. The promises given by God in His Word will become manifest visibly. Hope is invisible. Faith sees the invisible hope and carries on until it becomes visible. Hope fulfills faith. That is why hope is stronger than faith. Faith is the foundation of hope. Faith is connected to the hearing of God’s Word. It is the underground bridge leading to hope. True faith and hope in God will never put you to shame! They will never disappoint you! Faith and hope can never become bitterness. These are fruits of the Holy Spirit working in your heart. It is worth it to take ‘risk’ with God! God knows that you are trusting Him and waiting on Him. “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us… Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” (Rom 5:5; 10:11). Abraham trusted that the God who gave him the promise has the power to perform. And God did! Abraham believed that God has justified him. Abraham believed that he is a child of God. This is the basic faith for all believers. Out of this faith the overflow of faith manifests that God will answer other prayers. This saving faith of Abraham is the root of the faith that he will be the father of many nations. Only a child of God can believe the supernatural promises of God!

Justification is God’s declaration that a sinner becomes a child of God based on the death of Christ on the Cross! Justification is a legal, forensic, ‘judge in the court spoken word’ of God. It is 100% God’s work based on His grace. Justification is done once and for ever. It is the act of God. It cannot be annulled or re-established. It is more than forgiveness of sins. It is a change of position and standing before God. It is a covering with the imputed righteous of Christ. This robe covers your past, present and future sins. Justification makes God to see you as you have never sinned. God sees you as Christ, blameless. Justification leads immediately to sanctification. If it was only forgiveness, once the Christian sins, he needs to be justified again. And that is not possible. That is why some wrongly believe that you can lose your salvation. Justification is a change of position and status, from being in Adam under sin and law to being in Christ, under Grace. Justification is always connected with faith. You cannot be justified if you do not believe the Gospel. This is the peculiar message and power of the Gospel. Justification is the opposite of condemnation! THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM *The Faith is Abraham is the pattern of approved faith for all believers! *Faith trusts the bare Word of God! Faith does not need other supports to believe God’s promises! Faith is pure and connects with God’s Word! Unbelief is sin and an insult to God! ‘Whatever is not from faith is sin’ (Rom 14:23)*Faith acts on the Word. God changed his name from Abram (exulted father) to Abraham (the father of nations). God changed the name of Sarai (Princess) to Sarah (mother of nations). From the time God changed their names, they too addressed themselves as Abraham and Sarah! By faith, Abraham left his family and hometown not knowing where he is going (Heb 11:8). True faith has action and fruits! *Faith is born. it manifests and grows in the presence of God. Faith relates to your personal walk with God, with your holiness, with faithfulness and daily obedience to God’s Word. You need to read and study the Bible daily, fast, pray and serve God. You need to be faithful in attending church services, for ‘faith comes by hearing. and hearing comes by the Word f God’ (Romans 10:17). You need to learn the ‘holy skill’ of staying, abiding and walking in the Center of the flow of the Holy Spirit. By the power of the Spirit you kill the misdeeds of the body. Flesh lusts against the Spirit and is addicted to doubt, to anxiety, to restlessness, and worry. You need to walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Gal 5:16). Learn to disappoint the flesh! Then the spirit will rise! *Faith does not deny the problems. Abraham knew that he and Sarah have serious challenges to have children. Naturally it was impossible! Abraham was hundred years old. He was as good as ‘dead’. Sarah’s womb at ninety, was also ‘dead’. Abraham looked above the problems and natural limitations, towards the Almighty God who promised children and is able to fulfill the promises. Faith does not deceive itself but totally trust God. Faith masters all impossibilities! Faith is always accompanied by testimonies! Most believers live below the standard of faith God expects from them. They live with about 95% faith and 5% unbelief. As children of God they can go to heaven even with this incomplete faith. But they are not able to enjoy their walk with God, especially to experience the miracles. Oh, that you may grow in the grace, faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ! Worship the Lord!

SUN SET AS SEEN FROM OUR HOUSE @EFFURUN/WARRI/NIGERIA
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised” (Ps113:3)
Praise the LOOOOOOOOOOORD!!!!!!

“I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from Him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please Him” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; NLT)

God is the Provider of all good things, spiritual and natural: even food, drink, satisfaction in your work and godly enjoyment in life. God prospers the unbelievers and gives their wealth to the believers. Did you know that? What pleases God? God is pleased with faith (Hebrews 11:6)!!! God is pleased when we are filled and led by His Spirit!!! Let the Holy Spirit control your mind, emotions and will! It will lead to life and peace (Romans 8:6). Eternal life in your soul manifests as ‘peace that passes all understanding and joy that surpasses all knowledge’ (Philippians 4:7; Ephesians 3:29). This deep well brings peace and joy from the heavenly stores! You will be a wonder to yourself, a source of supernatural encouragement to others around you! Eternal life also manifests as greater wisdom, much above your age or personal experience. Everybody will realize that God is with you and in you! You are born to find and enjoy God. That is your destiny! The Word of God is not fair to the unbelievers, but to us, the children of God, is food and oxygen to the spirit. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may the eyes of your understanding be opened to see and appreciate the deep things of God!

As for me, this is my testimony: against all odds, I enjoy my life! This enjoyment is God’s gift to me! It is the peculiar gift of Grace! Since I was born and up till now, I have never experienced so much peace and joy, deep in my soul! Jesus Christ, my Lord takes care of me and my children (natural and spiritual). He alone receives all the glory! The Worship continues… forever!

Love in Christ alone,

Malia!

“The heavens declare the glory of God; The skies proclaim the work of His handsGod’s glory is on tour in the skies,God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.Madame Day holds classes every morning,Professor Night lectures each evening.Their words aren’t heard,Their voices aren’t recorded,But their silence fills the earth:Unspoken truth is spoken everywhere” (Psalm 19:1-4; TM)
I took this picture of the sky above our home in Effurun/ Warri, Nigeria. As I look up I see that the shape of the clouds, the color of the sky, of the sun and the moon, they change moment by moment. Only a fool says that there is no God. As for me, all I see around is the glory of God, filling everywhere, as the waters cover the sea. God created everything, visible and invisible. When you see a work or art, a painting, it tells you something about the artist. The sky tells me that God is alive and in charge of the universe He has created. He calls us closer to Him! He reveals Himself thru His creation but especially thru His Word, the Bible. Make a quality decision to read God’s Word and pray daily. You can only gain!

“Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!”