21:23-27 At any point in scripture when Jesus is asked a question it is rarely for the purposes of receiving an answer. Sometimes there are those who genuinely want an answer, sometimes asking the question is a distraction to the one being asked. And there are no examples of the Pharisees asking a genuine question in a sincere desire to come to a knowledge of the truth. There is always an ulterior motive for a Pharisee asking questions of Jesus and here it is no different. Jesus has cleansed the temple for a second time, has brought healing to the region and is condemning their work in making the temple a business. Jesus is disrupting the day to day business model of the temple. So the Pharisees ask him, “by what authority do you do this?” Note it wasn't to get an answer. They asked for the express purpose of trapping Jesus in an answer. They were painfully aware of where Jesus believed His authority to originate from. The question Jesus asks them is even more telling. Not because they didn't know the answer but because they were afraid of what response their answer would have. At this point in Jesus's ministry, John the Baptist is a memory. So when Jesus asks them about John's ministry, He knows they won't answer honestly. Jesus knew their reasoning would be this way. They were more concerned over the people's reaction to their answer than they were the actual answer being correct. Was John's ministry from Heaven or men? And they couldn't answer for fear. So they took the cowards way out and lied. We don't know, they said. So Jesus doesn't bother trying to justify an answer for them. No answer will fully satisfy them, because any answer that doesn't fit their agenda is summarily dismissed without thought. There is only One from whom the authority to do these things would be readily accepted. The answer to their question is the same answer to Jesus's question and they knew it. Only God could grant this authority and they knew this but were not permitted to acknowledge it. This is yet again another proof for Matthew supporting the diety of Jesus as the Messiah. [23] When He entered the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” [24] But Jesus responded and said to them, “I will also ask you one question, which, if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. [25] The baptism of John was from what source: from heaven or from men?” And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ [26] But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet.” [27] And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 🔥SERMON: BE SPIRITUALLY ALERT — EMBER MONTHS ARE HERE. Theme: “Watch and Pray: Finishing the Year Strong in Christ” Key Text: 1 Peter 5:8–9 > “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 🔥 THE YEAR IS NOT OVER YET! Beloved, we have entered the final stretch of the year. The ember months—September, October, November and December—are often associated with celebrations, travelling, weddings, parties, business activities, family gatherings and end-of-year excitement. But as Christians, we must understand something: The end of the year is not a time to become spiritually careless. It is a time to become spiritually alert! Many people become relaxed because they think, “The year is almost over.” But the devil does not take a holiday. Your prayer life must not go on holiday. Your Bible study must not go on holiday. Your holiness must not go on holiday. Your spiritual discernment must not go on holiday. The fact that we are approaching the end of the year does not mean we should lower our spiritual guard. This is the season to watch, pray, discern and finish well! 1. 🛡️ BE SOBER AND VIGILANT. 1 Peter 5:8 Peter says: > “Be sober, be vigilant…” To be sober means to remain spiritually clear-minded. To be vigilant means to remain watchful and alert. A Christian can be physically awake but spiritually asleep. You may attend church and still become spiritually careless. You may carry a Bible and still lose spiritual sensitivity. You may pray yesterday and still need to pray today. The ember months can bring many distractions: Excessive celebrations Ungodly relationships Financial pressure Peer pressure Sexual temptation Substance abuse Unnecessary travelling Reckless spending Internet and social-media distractions Pressure to “make it before the year ends” Do not allow the excitement of the season to silence the voice of the Holy Spirit. 2. 🙏 WATCH AND PRAY Matthew 26:41 > “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation…” Notice that Jesus did not say pray without watching. He said: Watch AND pray. Prayer without spiritual alertness can make us careless. Spiritual alertness without prayer can make us powerless. We need both. During these months, increase your prayer life. Pray concerning: Your family Your children Your marriage Your career Your ministry Your finances Your travels Your relationships Your spiritual life The decisions you will make Do not wait until trouble comes before you begin to pray. Prayer is not only a crisis response; prayer is spiritual preparation. 3. 🕯️ DO NOT LET THE SEASON STEAL YOUR SPIRITUAL FIRE Romans 12:11 > “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. One danger of the ember months is spiritual fatigue. People become tired and say: > “I have prayed enough this year.” No! You don't retire from your relationship with God because the calendar is approaching December. Your spiritual fire must continue burning. Leviticus 6:13 > “The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” Your altar must remain alive. Don't let December find you spiritually empty. Keep reading the Word. Keep praying. Keep worshipping. Keep serving. Keep witnessing. Keep forgiving. Keep walking in holiness. 4. ⚠️ BE CAREFUL WITH DECISIONS MADE UNDER PRESSURE. The final months of the year can create tremendous pressure. People begin asking: “What have you achieved this year?” “How much money have you made?” “When are you getting married?” “When will you build your house?” “When will you buy a car?” “What are you doing with your life?” Such questions can create comparison and desperation. And desperation can lead people into wrong decisions. Remember: You do not need to destroy your future because you are trying to impress people before December 31. Psalm 37:7 says: > “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him…” Do not enter a wrong relationship because you are afraid of being single. Do not enter fraudulent business because you want quick money. Do not compromise your faith because you want acceptance. Do not abandon God's principles because you feel behind. God's timing is better than human pressure. 5. 🎯 FINISH THE YEAR STRONG. Philippians 3:13–14 Paul says: > “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…” There is still time. Perhaps January did not go as planned. Maybe February brought disappointment. Maybe March brought unexpected challenges. Maybe you made mistakes. Maybe opportunities passed. Maybe you experienced losses. But the year is not over yet. Don't spend the remaining months mourning what went wrong. Ask: > “Lord, what can I still do with the time You have given me?” You can still pray. You can still reconcile. You can still start. You can still learn. You can still serve. You can still evangelize. You can still correct your mistakes. You can still become spiritually stronger. There are still chapters of your story that have not been written. 📖 BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: NEHEMIAH. Consider Nehemiah. When Nehemiah and the people were rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, their enemies attempted to distract and intimidate them. Nehemiah 4:9 > “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night…” Look at the balance: They prayed AND they watched. They did not say: > “We are praying, so we don't need to be careful.” Neither did they say: > “We are watching, so we don't need God.” They did both. Prayer + Watchfulness = Spiritual Alertness This is a powerful principle for the ember months. Pray as though everything depends on God. Work and watch as though God expects you to be responsible. 💡 DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS. 1. Not every opportunity is a God-given opportunity. Some opportunities are simply distractions dressed as blessings. Discern before you accept. 2. Not every relationship deserves access to your destiny. Some relationships strengthen your faith. Others weaken it. Watch your associations. 3. The enemy often uses distraction before destruction. He does not always begin with something obviously evil. Sometimes he begins with: > “Just this once.” Then another time. Then another. Eventually, compromise becomes normal. 4. The final months require spiritual discipline, not spiritual panic. Do not wait until December to start asking God to fix everything. Walk with God daily. 5. Your greatest victory may be finishing faithfully. Not everyone who starts well finishes well. Your goal should not simply be: > “I want to end the year wealthy.” Say: > “I want to end the year closer to God, stronger in faith, cleaner in character and faithful to my assignment.” ✅ PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS FOR THE EMBER MONTHS. 1. Establish a daily prayer time. Even if it is 15–30 minutes, be consistent. 2. Read the Bible daily. Don't allow social media to receive more attention than God's Word. 3. Examine your relationships. Ask who is strengthening your faith and who is weakening it. 4. Avoid unnecessary risks. Be wise with travelling, finances, relationships and celebrations. 5. Control your spending. Don't spend January's resources trying to impress people in December. 6. Stay connected to Christian fellowship. Don't isolate yourself spiritually. 7. Practice gratitude. Count your blessings instead of comparing yourself with others. 8. Set spiritual goals. Before the year ends, decide what you want to accomplish spiritually. 9. Reconcile where necessary. Do not carry unnecessary bitterness into another year. 10. Finish what God has entrusted to you. Don't abandon your assignment because the year has been difficult. 🤔 QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION 1. How spiritually alert am I right now? 2. Has my prayer life become weaker? 3. What distractions are threatening my relationship with God? 4. Are there relationships I need to reconsider? 5. Am I making decisions because of God's leading or because of pressure? 6. What temptation do I need to become more watchful against? 7. What unfinished assignment should I complete before the year ends? 8. If the year ended today, would I be satisfied with my walk with God? 9. What must I stop doing? 10. What must I start doing? 🙏 POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer for spiritual alertness Father, awaken my spirit and make me sensitive to Your voice. Help me to recognize every distraction and every trap of the enemy. 2. Prayer for protection Lord, preserve me, my family and everyone connected to me throughout these remaining months. Keep us from evil and unnecessary danger. 3. Prayer against temptation Father, strengthen me to say NO to every temptation that can destroy my testimony, destiny and relationship with You. 4. Prayer for divine direction. Lord, guide my decisions. Give me wisdom to know what to accept, what to reject and what to wait for. 5. Prayer against desperation Father, deliver me from the pressure to compete, compare or compromise. Help me to trust Your timing. 6. Prayer for restoration Lord, restore whatever I have lost that is according to Your will, and give me wisdom to recover what can still be recovered. 7. Prayer for finishing well Father, I will not finish this year spiritually empty. Give me grace to finish stronger, wiser, purer and closer to You than I started. 8. Prayer for the family Lord, preserve our families. Let no tragedy, division or destructive influence prevail over our homes. 9. Prayer for purpose Father, help me to complete every assignment You have entrusted to me before the end of this year. 10. Prayer of surrender Lord Jesus, I surrender the remaining months of this year to You. Take control of my life, my plans, my family, my decisions and my future. Let Your will be done in my life. Amen. 🔥 STRONG CLOSING: DON'T SLEEP THROUGH YOUR SEASON! Church, the ember months are here, but God's grace is still available! Don't become careless. Don't become distracted. Don't become desperate. Don't compromise. Don't allow celebrations to replace consecration. Don't allow social pressure to replace God's direction. Don't allow the mistakes of yesterday to destroy the possibilities of tomorrow. WATCH! PRAY! DISCERN! STAND FIRM! FINISH STRONG! The year may be approaching its final months, but your assignment is not finished. Your testimony is not finished. Your purpose is not finished. Your story is not finished. And above all: God is not finished with you! > “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” — Mark 13:33 🔥 MY CHARGE TO YOU: Enter the ember months with prayer. Walk through them with wisdom. Live through them with holiness. Move through them with discernment. And finish them with thanksgiving. Be spiritually alert. Your destiny is too valuable to sleep through your season! In Jesus' name, Amen. Surrender your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - Whatsapp 2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

🌿 MINDFULNESS: THE WISDOM OF HOW WE TREAT ONE ANOTHER 🌿 Being mindful is more than simply being aware. It is remembering that we share this world with other people. It means practicing manners, decorum, etiquette, and civility—not because we are trying to appear perfect, but because we recognize the dignity of others. Sometimes wisdom sounds like speaking. Sometimes wisdom sounds like listening. And sometimes wisdom sounds like silence. 📖 “A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” — Ecclesiastes 3:7 There are moments when our words can encourage, correct, defend, or bring healing. And there are moments when speaking out of anger, pride, impulse, or frustration can cause unnecessary harm. 📖 “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” — James 1:19 The Bible reminds us that our words matter. 📖 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21 And sometimes the wisest response is simply to be still. 📖 “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 Being still does not mean being indifferent. Being quiet does not mean being weak. Being civil does not mean permitting wrongdoing. Jesus Himself demonstrated that there is a time for gentleness and a time for righteous confrontation. Scripture calls us to pursue truth, justice, mercy, and righteousness—not merely comfort or appearances. So mindfulness asks us: Is this the right time to speak? Is this the right way to speak? Does this need to be said? Am I listening as carefully as I am speaking? Will my words bring understanding—or unnecessary injury? And perhaps most importantly: Am I treating people as members of a family whom God has commanded me to love? 📖 “Love one another: as I have loved you.” — John 13:34 📖 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” — Romans 12:10 Christian love is not pretending that everything is acceptable. It is not concealing injustice. It is not remaining silent when someone is being harmed. Rather, it means learning to speak truth with love, to correct without cruelty, to disagree without contempt, and to stand for what is right without abandoning compassion. 📖 “Speaking the truth in love…” — Ephesians 4:15 There is tremendous wisdom in knowing the difference between silence that protects peace and silence that permits injustice. So today, let us be mindful. Mindful of our words. Mindful of our tone. Mindful of our surroundings. Mindful of other people’s dignity. Mindful of when to speak. Mindful of when to listen. Mindful of when to be still. And yes… Mind your P’s and Q’s. 😉 Not as an invitation to conceal who we are or to perform politeness for appearances— but as a gentle reminder to show respect, practice good manners, exercise self-control, and treat others with the dignity we hope to receive. Because kindness is not weakness. Civility is not compromise. Silence is not always surrender. And speaking up is not always unkind. Wisdom is knowing which moment requires which one. 🌿✨ “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

A Nugget of Truth. SANCTIFIED THROUGH THE WORD Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17 Sanctification is the work of God in transforming the life and character of the believer, and Jesus tells us that His Word is the instrument of that sanctification. But we cannot expect the Word to transform us if we rarely open it. Just as the body needs daily food, the spiritual life needs daily nourishment from the Scriptures. Jesus said: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4 Reading the Bible is not simply about gaining knowledge. We are to allow its truth to correct us, convict us, teach us, and change the way we think, speak, and live. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11 True sanctification produces a visible change in character, conduct, speech, attitudes, and choices. The more we behold Christ in His Word, the more our lives are brought into harmony with His character. The Bible should therefore not be something we turn to only once a week. If we want to grow in holiness, overcome sin, recognise deception, and become more like Christ, we need His Word in our minds and hearts every day. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Daily Bible study is not what earns salvation—it is one of the primary ways God works His truth into the life of the person He is saving.

"THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE" 🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♀️🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♀️ "MONDAY 31ST AUGUST, 2026" THE DANGER OF DISOBEDIENCE 📖⚠️🫵🏽🙏🏽❌ 📜📜 "1 SAMUEL 15:22-23" 📜📜 🔑📖 "Key Verse:" “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” — 1 Samuel 15:22 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖 Saul was given a clear instruction from God, but he chose to obey only partially. He kept what God had commanded him to destroy and then tried to justify his actions. This teaches us that partial obedience is still disobedience. Sometimes we want to give God our own version of obedience. We may pray, worship, give offerings, and serve in church, yet knowingly hold on to something God has told us to release. God is not looking only for religious activities. He desires a heart that listens and obeys His Word. When we disobey, let us not make excuses or blame others. Let us humble ourselves, acknowledge our wrong, and repent. Obedience may not always be easy, but it is always better than trying to replace obedience with religious sacrifice. 🔥 Don't obey God only when His instructions are convenient. Trust Him enough to obey completely. 🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥🍥 "🅿️rayer:" Lord, give me a humble and obedient heart. Help me to obey Your Word completely and not make excuses when You correct me. Give me grace to repent quickly whenever I go wrong and strengthen me to walk faithfully with You. In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏🏽 "📖 Further Reading:" Deuteronomy 28:1-2; John 14:15; James 1:22-25 THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE Birthright is Evangelism ✝️

Prayers correct the past, set the future straight, erase all negativity from the enemies table and give permanent assurance for the coming victories.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SUNDAY, 30TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY*🌟 13th Sunday after Trinity | 5th Sunday & Last Sunday in August 📖 Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:16 (KJV) 🔥*Reflection – Let God's Word Fill Your Life* As we come to the last Sunday of August, Colossians 3:16 gives us a beautiful instruction: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” God's Word should not merely visit our hearts during Sunday worship or morning devotion. It should dwell in us—becoming deeply rooted in our thoughts, decisions, character, conversations, relationships, and daily living. Paul also connects God's Word with wisdom, teaching, encouragement, worship, and thanksgiving. When the Word of Christ fills our hearts, it should overflow into the way we treat others and the way we worship God. As August comes to an end, this is an opportunity to reflect: What has filled my heart this month? Have I allowed God's Word to occupy my heart, or have fear, anxiety, disappointment, anger, and worldly distractions taken too much space? Today, let us make room for Christ's Word again. Let His Word correct you. Let His Word encourage you. Let His Word teach you. Let His Word strengthen you. Let His Word give you wisdom. Let His Word produce worship in you. And as you enter September, don't merely carry memories from August—carry God's Word with you. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that the Word of Christ shall dwell richly in me. God's Word shall become deeply rooted in my heart, mind, character, decisions, and daily life. I declare that the Word of God shall give me wisdom beyond my natural understanding. I shall receive divine guidance for every decision and discernment for every circumstance. I proclaim that my mind shall be filled with truth rather than fear, faith rather than doubt, hope rather than discouragement, and gratitude rather than complaining. Today, I declare that every negative influence competing for control of my heart shall lose its power. I choose to make room for God's Word and allow Christ to shape my thoughts and attitudes. I declare that God's Word shall guide my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. Every area of my life shall increasingly come under the influence of His truth. I proclaim that my mouth shall become a source of wisdom, encouragement, correction, comfort, and grace. The words I speak shall build people up rather than tear them down. I declare that God will use me to teach, encourage, counsel, and strengthen others. May the wisdom He gives me become a blessing to my family, church, community, and generation. Today, I receive grace to worship God not only with my lips but with my life. May psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, thanksgiving, and genuine praise continually flow from my heart. I declare that the grace of God shall replace heaviness in my heart with songs of praise. Where there has been sorrow, may God give me renewed strength to worship Him. As this month comes to an end, I declare that I will not carry unnecessary burdens, bitterness, disappointment, or fear into the new month. I release them to God and receive His peace. I proclaim that everything good God has started in my life during August shall continue to grow and produce fruit according to His will. I declare that September shall meet me prepared, spiritually strengthened, wiser, more focused, and more deeply rooted in God's Word. The Word of Christ dwells richly in me. Wisdom fills my heart. Praise fills my mouth. Grace fills my relationships. Faith fills my spirit. And Christ is glorified through my life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with thanksgiving: Thank God for bringing you safely to the last Sunday of August. 2️⃣ Read Colossians 3:12–17: Meditate especially on verse 16 and ask God to make His Word deeply rooted in you. 3️⃣ Declare: “The Word of Christ dwells richly in me; I am filled with wisdom, grace, faith, and praise.” 4️⃣ Review August: Think about what God has taught you, where He helped you, and what areas of your life still need surrender. 5️⃣ Release the past month: Forgive, let go, and surrender disappointments, failures, worries, and unanswered questions to God. 6️⃣ Fill your heart with Scripture: Choose one Bible verse to carry with you into September and meditate on it regularly. 7️⃣ Encourage someone: Use God's Word to encourage, teach, comfort, or strengthen someone today. 8️⃣ Worship intentionally: Sing a hymn, psalm, or spiritual song and thank God for His faithfulness throughout August. 9️⃣ Pray into September: Commit the new month, your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and plans into God's hands. 🔥*Sunday & Month-End Prayer:* Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness throughout the month of August. Thank You for every day You preserved me, every prayer You answered, every battle You brought me through, every lesson You taught me, and every blessing You gave me. As this month comes to an end, I pray that the Word of Christ will dwell richly in me. Let Your Word take deep root in my heart. Let it shape my thoughts, decisions, attitudes, conversations, relationships, and actions. Give me wisdom to live according to Your will. Let Your Word be my guide when I am confused, my encouragement when I am discouraged, my strength when I am weak, and my hope when circumstances are difficult. Lord, make me a blessing to others. Give me words that teach, encourage, comfort, correct, and strengthen. Let my life point people toward Jesus. Fill my heart with worship and thanksgiving. May praise rise from me even when circumstances are not perfect. Give me a heart that recognizes Your goodness every day. As I close the chapter of August, I surrender everything that happened this month into Your hands. I release every disappointment, failure, mistake, worry, unanswered prayer, and painful experience. Thank You for the victories. Thank You for the lessons. Thank You for the preservation. Thank You for the grace. Thank You for bringing me this far. Lord, prepare me for September. Let me enter the new month with renewed strength, greater wisdom, deeper faith, clearer vision, and a stronger commitment to Your Word. Establish the work of my hands. Bless my family. Strengthen my ministry. Prosper my honest endeavors. Guide my studies and decisions. Order my steps and let Your perfect will be accomplished in my life. Let Your Word dwell richly in me, and let my life become a living testimony of Your grace. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏🕊️✨ 🌿*Blessing for the Last Sunday of August:* May the Word of Christ dwell richly in your heart and fill you with divine wisdom. May God's Word guide your steps, strengthen your faith, guard your heart, and shape your decisions. As August comes to an end, may the Lord bring completion to everything He has ordained for this month. May every good seed planted during August continue to grow and produce fruit. May God give you grace to leave behind every burden that does not belong in your next season. As you enter September, may you enter with fresh strength, renewed vision, deeper faith, greater wisdom, divine favor, and a heart full of praise. May your family be blessed. May your ministry be fruitful. May your work be established. May your business prosper according to God's will. May your studies yield excellent results. May your relationships be strengthened. May your destiny continue to unfold according to God's purpose. 🌟 The Word will guide you. 📖 Wisdom will lead you. 🕊️ Grace will sustain you. 🔥 Faith will strengthen you. 🙌 Praise will fill your heart. 🌟 13TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 🌟 5TH SUNDAY & LAST SUNDAY IN AUGUST 📖 “LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY IN ALL WISDOM.” — COLOSSIANS 3:16. As August closes, may God's Word remain alive in you, and as September begins, may you step into a new month filled with His wisdom, grace, peace, favor, and divine direction. Good morning beloved, happy Sunday and do have a blessed, joyful, fruitful, and spiritually refreshing last Sunday of August! 🙏📖🔥🕊️ Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

PLANTED BY THE RIVERS There is a quiet strength that comes from knowing where your roots are. Psalm 1:3 gives us a beautiful picture of a person who has learned to stay close to God: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither.” I love the picture of a tree beside a river. The tree does not have to panic every time the weather changes. When the sun is hot, its roots can still reach the water. When the wind blows, it may bend, but it does not easily fall. Its strength comes from what is beneath the surface. Being planted in God is much the same. Life will have its dry seasons. There will be days when prayers seem unanswered, plans don't work out, people disappoint you, and you wonder how much longer you can keep going. But when your life is rooted in God's Word and your relationship with Him, difficult seasons don't have to destroy you. You may become tired, you may shed some tears, and you may even have moments when your faith feels weak—but you have a source deeper than your circumstances. God becomes the place you return to when everything else feels uncertain. Being planted also means staying. It is easy to seek God when we need an urgent answer, but being rooted requires something deeper—a consistent walk with Him. It means opening His Word when nobody is watching, praying even when you don't feel particularly spiritual, obeying when obedience is uncomfortable, and allowing God to correct and shape you. Going to church is important, but simply attending services is not the same as being rooted. You can sit in church every week and still remain spiritually dry. The goal is not merely to be around God's presence; it is to allow His Word to take root in your heart and influence the way you live. And notice that the tree produces fruit “in its season.” That matters. Not every season looks the same. There are seasons for growing, seasons for waiting, seasons for pruning, and seasons for bearing fruit. Don't become discouraged because your life doesn't look like someone else's. A tree doesn't produce fruit every day, yet it remains alive and connected to its source. Your season will come. Keep growing. Keep trusting. Keep your roots in the right place. Jeremiah 17:7–8 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord... He will be like a tree planted by the water... its leaves are always green.” That is the kind of life God invites us to live—not a life without problems, but a life that remains alive in the middle of them. When the season is dry, stay planted. When the wind blows, stay planted. When you don't understand what God is doing, stay planted. Your strength is not in how perfect your circumstances are; it is in how deeply your roots reach into God.

THE TRUE BREAD OF HEAVEN TEACHING SERIES THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 13) ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV) “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” Additional Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:12–13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Galatians 5:16–25 We continue with our series on the Ministry of the Holy Spirit, and today we look at another vital ministry of the Holy Spirit—His work as our Sanctifier. God has called every believer to reflect and mirror His holy character. Scripture declares, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,” because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15–16). However, there is a fundamental problem: holiness cannot be produced by human strength alone. In ourselves, we are unable to attain the righteousness God requires. Yet, remarkably, those who belong to Christ are called saints—those who have been set apart for God. Since holiness does not originate from our fallen nature, we must be made holy. This is where the ministry of the Holy Spirit becomes essential. The Holy Spirit is the One who works within us to sanctify us and conform us to the image of Christ. His title, “Holy Spirit,” speaks not only of His own holy nature but also points to His work of producing holiness within the people of God. One of the special ministries of the Holy Spirit is therefore to make us saints—to consecrate and set us apart for God. To be sanctified means to be made holy, set apart, and increasingly conformed to God's righteous character. Sanctification begins when we are united with Christ and continues throughout our earthly lives as the Holy Spirit progressively transforms us. Ultimately, God will complete this work when we are fully glorified in His presence. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:12–13 This reveals an important truth: sanctification involves both God's work and our cooperation. God works within us through the Holy Spirit, but we must willingly yield, obey, resist sin, renew our minds through the Word, and respond to His promptings. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer and continually works to produce a righteous heart and life. He changes our desires, corrects our attitudes, strengthens us against sin, and develops Christlike character within us. As we yield to Him, the fruit of the Spirit becomes increasingly evident in our lives—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Child of God, salvation is not merely about being forgiven; it is also about being transformed. God did not save us so that we could remain the same. He desires to make us increasingly like Christ in character, conduct, and lifestyle. Therefore, do not resist the dealings of the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to search your heart, correct you, cleanse you, and transform you. Cooperate with His work, because the same Spirit who saved you is also the Spirit who sanctifies you. We shall continue next Sunday, by God's grace, as we delve deeper into this ministry of the Holy Spirit. To be continued… By Alfred Wabuko Manyasi © Holy Spirit

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS SERMON TOPIC: 5 “RELIGIONS” THAT SEEM CHRISTIAN, BUT ARE NOT! Theme Scripture: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders…” — Matthew 24:24 > Important clarification: This message should not be used to attack people or mock sincere believers. The issue is doctrine—what a movement teaches about Jesus Christ, salvation, Scripture, and the gospel. Some groups may use Christian language while holding beliefs that differ fundamentally from historic biblical Christianity. NOT EVERYTHING THAT SAYS “JESUS” PREACHES JESUS. Church, one of the greatest dangers facing Christianity today is not only atheism. It is deception wearing religious clothing. The greatest danger is not always the person who says, “I don't believe in Jesus.” Sometimes the greater danger is the person who says, “Jesus is Lord,” carries a Bible, talks about prayer, sings Christian songs—but teaches another gospel. Jesus warned us: Matthew 7:15: > “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing…” Notice something: Jesus did not say they would come looking like wolves. They come in sheep's clothing. That means deception can look familiar. It can sound spiritual. It can quote Scripture. It can mention Jesus. It can even perform impressive religious activities. But the question is: WHO IS JESUS TO YOU? Because Christianity is not simply about believing that Jesus existed. It is about believing who Jesus is, what He accomplished on the cross, and how sinners are saved through Him. 1. THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES. Jehovah's Witnesses use the Bible extensively and speak about God and Jesus. However, their theology differs fundamentally from historic Christian doctrine. One major difference concerns the identity of Jesus Christ. Historic Christianity teaches that Jesus is truly God, eternally existing with the Father and the Holy Spirit. John 1:1 says: > “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And John 1:14 identifies the Word: > “And the Word was made flesh…” Jesus is not merely a created messenger. Why does this matter? Because if Jesus is only a created being, then the biblical doctrine of Christ has been fundamentally changed. Colossians 1:16 says concerning Christ: > “For by him were all things created…” If all things were created through Him, Christ cannot simply be another created thing. Spiritual lesson: Do not determine truth by how much Scripture someone quotes. Determine truth by whether their teaching agrees with the whole counsel of Scripture. 2. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — LDS/MORMONISM. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses the name of Jesus Christ and teaches about God, salvation, prayer and family. But its theology differs substantially from historic Christianity. Among its distinctive teachings are additional scriptures and doctrines concerning God, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation and eternal destiny. The biblical faith teaches that Scripture is God's authoritative revelation and that the gospel of Christ is not to be replaced by another gospel. Paul warned: Galatians 1:8 > “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” The issue is therefore not merely: “Do they talk about Jesus?” The issue is: “Is the Jesus they preach the Jesus revealed in Scripture?” Paul said: 2 Corinthians 11:4 > “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus… There can be a different Jesus presented using the same name. 3. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. Christian Science uses Christian vocabulary and refers to Jesus, God, prayer and healing. But its understanding of fundamental Christian doctrines differs significantly from biblical Christianity. Historic Christianity teaches the reality of sin, the physical incarnation of Christ, His death and bodily resurrection. The Bible says: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 > “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…” The resurrection was not merely a spiritual idea. Jesus physically rose from the dead. Thomas was invited to touch the wounds of the risen Christ. Jesus Himself said: Luke 24:39 > “A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” Spiritual lesson: Never reduce Christianity to positive thinking, spirituality or personal experience. The Christian faith is grounded in the historical work of Jesus Christ. The cross was real. The blood was real. The resurrection was real. And salvation is real. 4. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM Unitarian Universalism is religiously diverse and generally does not require belief in the historic Christian doctrines of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, or salvation through Christ alone. This is important because Christianity is not simply: > “Be a good person, love everybody, and believe in God.” Jesus did not teach that human morality alone could save us. Jesus said: John 14:6 > “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Christianity is fundamentally Christ-centered. Acts 4:12 declares: > “Neither is there salvation in any other…” The danger of religious morality A person can be kind and still be spiritually lost. A person can give to charity and still need salvation. A person can help the poor and still need Christ. Good works are important—but good works do not replace the gospel. Ephesians 2:8–9 says: > “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…” 5. ONENESS PENTECOSTALISM Here we need to be especially careful. Not everyone who uses the term "Oneness Pentecostal" believes exactly the same thing, but historic Christian churches generally regard Oneness theology as outside orthodox Trinitarian Christianity. Why? Because historic Christianity teaches: One God in three distinct Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 says: > “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” At Jesus' baptism, we see the Son being baptized, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice from heaven. The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Holy Spirit. Yet there is one God. This is the mystery of the Trinity. Spiritual lesson: We must never reshape God into something easier for our minds to understand. We submit our understanding to God's revelation. THE BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE BEREANS. Acts 17:11 gives us one of the greatest examples of spiritual discernment. The Bereans: > “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Notice they did not blindly accept even Paul's preaching. They searched the Scriptures. That is spiritual maturity. The question is not: > “Who preached it?” The question is: > “Is it biblical?” Not: > “How popular is this teacher?” But: > “Does this teaching agree with Scripture?” Not: > “How many miracles happened?” But: > “Does this exalt the biblical Christ?” 5 TESTS FOR IDENTIFYING FALSE TEACHING. 1. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT JESUS? Is Jesus truly God? Did He truly become flesh? Did He truly die? Did He physically rise from the dead? Is He the only Savior? 1 John 4:2–3 gives us a serious test concerning the confession of Christ. 2. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT SALVATION? The biblical gospel says: Ephesians 2:8: > “For by grace are ye saved through faith…” Salvation is not something we purchase with good works. It is God's gift through faith in Christ. 3. WHAT AUTHORITY DOES IT GIVE SCRIPTURE? Whenever a movement says: > “The Bible is not enough; you need our special revelation…” Christians must examine that claim carefully. The Bereans searched the Scriptures. Acts 17:11. 4. DOES IT PREACH ANOTHER GOSPEL? Paul was extremely strong about this. Galatians 1:9: > “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” There is only one gospel. 5. DOES IT PRODUCE CHRISTLIKE FRUIT? Jesus said: Matthew 7:20 > “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Truth should produce holiness. Grace should produce transformation. The gospel should produce Christlikeness. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT. The devil does not always need to convince people to stop believing in God. Sometimes he only needs to convince them to believe in a distorted version of God. That is why discernment is essential. Satan quoted Scripture when he tempted Jesus. Matthew 4:6. So the question is not simply: “Does this person quote the Bible?” The question is: “Is the Bible being interpreted correctly and is Christ being faithfully proclaimed?” PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS. 1. READ YOUR BIBLE FOR YOURSELF Do not build your theology entirely on sermons, TikTok videos, Facebook posts or YouTube clips. 2 Timothy 2:15 calls believers to rightly divide the word of truth. 2. KNOW THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH Know what the Bible teaches about: God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit Sin Salvation Grace The resurrection The second coming The authority of Scripture 3. TEST EVERY TEACHING Don't reject something merely because it is unfamiliar. And don't accept something merely because it is popular. Test it by Scripture. 4. DON'T MOCK PEOPLE Our assignment is not to insult people. Our assignment is to speak the truth in love. 2 Timothy 2:24–25 teaches believers to correct those who oppose the truth with gentleness. 5. KEEP YOUR EYES ON CHRIST. The goal of discernment is not to become experts in other people's errors. The goal is to become deeply rooted in Jesus Christ and His Word. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION. 1. Who do I believe Jesus Christ really is? 2. Do I know the biblical gospel clearly? 3. Can I recognize false teaching when I hear it? 4. Do I read Scripture for myself? 5. Have I allowed popularity to become my standard for truth? 6. Am I following Christ—or merely following a religious personality? 7. Can I defend my faith from Scripture? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS. 1. Father, give me the spirit of discernment. Help me distinguish truth from error, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, establish me deeply in Your Word so that I will not be carried away by every doctrine. 3. Father, reveal every false belief operating in my life and lead me into biblical truth. 4. Lord Jesus, help me know You—not merely know about You. 5. Give me wisdom to recognize false teachers without becoming judgmental, arrogant or hateful. 6. Holy Spirit, protect my heart from deception and keep me faithful to the true gospel. 7. Father, make me a faithful teacher of Your Word who will speak truth with love. STRONG CLOSING: DON'T JUST CARRY A BIBLE—KNOW THE CHRIST OF THE BIBLE Beloved, we are living in a generation where information is everywhere but discernment is becoming scarce. Everybody has a microphone. Everybody has an opinion. Everybody can build a platform. Everybody can quote a Bible verse. But not everybody is preaching the gospel. Therefore, don't follow a preacher simply because he is famous. Don't follow a movement because it is popular. Don't follow a religion because it uses Christian language. Follow Jesus Christ. Search the Scriptures. Test every doctrine. Guard your faith. Know the Word. Know the Savior. And when deception comes wearing religious clothing, may the Holy Spirit give you the wisdom to recognize it. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” — 1 John 4:1 The question is not merely, “Does it look Christian?” The question is: “Does it faithfully proclaim the Jesus of Scripture and the gospel of grace?” Stand on the Word. Hold fast to Christ. Walk in truth. And never trade biblical truth for religious appearance. Surrender to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173028, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com