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

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 6 SIGNS SOMEONE ISN’T REALLY CHRISTIAN. “A Christian by Name, or a Christian by Nature?” Text: Matthew 7:21–23; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 John 2:3–6 🔥 NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS “LORD” KNOWS THE LORD. There is a dangerous assumption in Christianity today: “If someone goes to church, carries a Bible, posts Bible verses, sings worship songs, or calls Jesus ‘Lord,’ then that person must be a Christian.” But Jesus warned us that this is not always true. > “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:2 That statement should make every one of us pause. Jesus did not say, “Not everyone who attends church.” He said, “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord.’” This means it is possible to have Christian language without Christian life. It is possible to have a Bible in your hand but not have Christ in your heart. It is possible to be active in church but inactive in obedience. It is possible to know Christian songs without knowing Christ. And therefore, the question today is not: “Do people think I am a Christian?” The question is: “Does my life give evidence that I truly belong to Christ?” This message is not designed to judge other people. It is a mirror before it becomes a weapon. Before you examine your neighbor, examine yourself. LOOK AT THE 6 SIGNS:- 1. THEY HAVE NO GENUINE DESIRE TO OBEY CHRIST. A genuine Christian is not perfect, but there is a genuine desire to please God. Jesus said: > “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 Obedience does not save us; Christ saves us. But genuine salvation produces a desire to obey the One who saved us. Someone may say: > “Jesus is my Lord.” But if Jesus is truly Lord, He must have authority over your decisions. You cannot continually say: “Jesus is Lord,” while your lifestyle says: “I am my own lord.” Important distinction A true Christian can fall into sin. But there is a difference between: falling into sin and building your life around sin. There is a difference between: > “Lord, I have failed. Forgive me.” and: > “I know it is wrong, but I don't care.” The first demonstrates repentance. The second demonstrates rebellion. 2. THEY HAVE NO EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT. Jesus said: > “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16 Notice that Jesus did not say: “You shall know them by their clothes.” He did not say: “You shall know them by their church attendance.” He said: “By their fruits.” What is growing in your life? Is there increasing love? Is there increasing patience? Is there forgiveness? Is there humility? Is there self-control? Is there compassion? Is there holiness? Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit. A genuine Christian should show evidence of spiritual transformation. Not perfection. Transformation. If someone has been claiming Christ for years but there is absolutely no evidence of Christlike character, that should lead to serious self-examination. 3. THEY LOVE THE WORLD MORE THAN THEY LOVE GOD. 1 John 2:15 says: > “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” The Bible is not saying Christians cannot enjoy God's creation, work hard, have possessions, or live normal lives. The warning is about worldliness becoming the master of the heart. When money becomes more important than righteousness... When popularity becomes more important than holiness... When sexual pleasure becomes more important than obedience... When social media approval becomes more important than God's approval... When material possessions become our identity... Something is wrong. Jesus asked: > “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36 A Christian lives in the world, but the world must not live in the Christian's heart. 4. THEY HAVE NO LOVE FOR OTHER BELIEVERS. This is one of the strongest biblical tests. 1 John 3:14 says: > “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” Christianity is not merely about loving God with our lips. It also affects how we treat people. You cannot continually hate everyone, refuse forgiveness, enjoy destroying people's reputations, and then claim that your relationship with Christ is healthy. Jesus said: > “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 Love does not mean allowing people to abuse you. Love does not mean approving everything people do. Love means treating people with the character of Christ. Ask yourself: How do I treat people who cannot benefit me? How do I treat those who disagree with me? How do I respond when someone succeeds? Can I forgive? Can I apologize? Can I celebrate another person's progress? Because sometimes the greatest evidence of Christianity is not what happens inside the church building, but how we behave outside it. 5. THEY ONLY FOLLOW JESUS WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT. Some people want Jesus as Savior but refuse Him as Lord. They want: Blessing without obedience. Breakthrough without discipline. Promises without repentance. Heaven without holiness. The crown without the cross. But Jesus said: > “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 Following Christ will sometimes cost you something. It may cost you a relationship. It may cost you an opportunity. It may cost you popularity. It may cost you comfort. It may require you to say: “No.” when everybody else is saying: “Yes.” A genuine disciple does not follow Jesus only when following Him is profitable. Real Christianity is tested when obedience becomes costly. 6. THEY HAVE CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE BUT NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. This may be the most frightening sign. A person can know about Jesus without actually knowing Jesus. You can memorize Scripture. You can preach sermons. You can sing worship songs. You can teach Sunday school. You can even perform religious activities. And still have a heart far from God. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23: > “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Those are terrifying words. Notice something: Jesus did not say: “You never knew about Me.” He said: “I never knew you.” Christianity is not merely information about Christ. It is relationship with Christ. You can know the Bible and not obey the Author. You can know Christian vocabulary and not know the Savior. You can sit in church every Sunday and still be spiritually lost. 📖 BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT One of the most sobering examples is Judas. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He was among the disciples. He participated in ministry. Yet his heart was not surrendered to Christ. Eventually, he betrayed Jesus. This teaches us something uncomfortable: Being close to Christian activity does not automatically mean being close to Christ. You can be around the fire and still be cold inside. You can be around worship and still have an unconverted heart. You can be around pastors and still need salvation. You can be a church worker and still need Jesus. Therefore, don't ask: “How long have I been in church?” Ask: “Has Christ truly transformed my life?” 🔥 A DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH. Salvation is not proven by perfection; it is evidenced by transformation. The Christian life is not: > “I never make mistakes.” It is: > “I no longer want to remain the person I used to be.” When Christ enters a person's life, something begins to change. Their desires begin to change. Their priorities begin to change. Their relationships begin to change. Their attitude toward sin begins to change. Their hunger for God's Word begins to change. Their response to correction begins to change. Their heart begins to change. That is the work of grace. 🛠️ PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS. 1. Examine yourself Paul says: > “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 Don't only examine your neighbor. Examine yourself. 2. Repent where necessary Don't defend what God is asking you to surrender. If the Holy Spirit reveals something, repent. 3. Return to God's Word Don't build your Christianity around social media quotes. Build it around Scripture. Read it. Study it. Believe it. Practice it. 4. Develop a genuine prayer life Prayer is not merely asking God for things. Prayer is relationship. Talk to God. Listen to God. Seek His will. 5. Look for spiritual fruit Ask: “Am I becoming more like Christ?” Not: “Am I better than someone else?” 6. Make Jesus Lord, not merely Savior Don't only ask Jesus to rescue you from hell. Ask Him to rule your heart. 🤔 QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION. 1. If someone watched my life for 30 days, would they see evidence of Christ? 2. Do I obey God only when obedience benefits me? 3. What fruit of the Spirit is growing in my life? 4. How do I treat people who cannot reward me? 5. Have I genuinely repented of my sins, or have I simply learned Christian language? 6. Do I know Jesus personally, or do I only know about Him? 🙏 POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Examination Father, search my heart and reveal anything in me that is not pleasing to You. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, wherever I have lived in disobedience, forgive me and give me grace to turn completely back to You. 3. Prayer for Transformation Holy Spirit, transform my character and produce Your fruit in my life. 4. Prayer for Genuine Faith Father, remove every form of hypocrisy from my life. Let my Christianity be genuine, not merely outward. 5. Prayer for Love Lord, give me grace to love people sincerely, forgive quickly, and represent Christ correctly. 6. Prayer for Perseverance Jesus, when following You becomes difficult, give me strength not to turn back. 7. Prayer for Spiritual Hunger Lord, give me a deeper hunger for Your Word, prayer, holiness, and Your presence. 🔥 STRONG CLOSING: DON'T JUST WEAR THE NAME—CARRY THE NATURE. Church, the greatest question is not: “Am I called a Christian?” The greatest question is: “Does Christ truly live in me?” Don't be satisfied because your name is on a church register. Don't be satisfied because you have a Bible. Don't be satisfied because you attend Christian programs. Don't be satisfied because you can quote Scripture. Don't be satisfied because people call you “Brother” or “Sister.” Make sure you know Jesus. If you have drifted, come back. If you have been pretending, repent. If your faith has become merely religious, return to Christ. If you have never truly surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day to surrender. Because one day, every religious mask will fall. Every title will disappear. Every reputation will disappear. Every earthly achievement will disappear. And we will stand before Christ. So let our prayer be: > “Lord Jesus, make me a genuine Christian—not merely a Christian by name, but a Christian by nature, character, faith, obedience, and love.” Don't just carry the Bible. Live the Bible. Don't just talk about Jesus. Follow Jesus. Don't just wear the name Christian. Let Christ be seen in you. May our lives preach the Gospel even when our mouths are silent. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Accept Jesus Christ today 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 +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET: A LIFE STORY IN MY OWN WORDS CHRONICLES A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE Mr. Ben E. Brady shares an honest memoir that reflects on hardship, redemption, and a lifetime of unexpected experiences shaped by enduring faith. New Braunfels, TX, — Mr. Ben E. Brady presents What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, a compelling memoir that recounts a lifetime marked by extraordinary challenges, unexpected opportunities, and unwavering faith. From his premature birth in Lowell, Massachusetts, to careers and adventures that carried him across the United States, Brady's story offers readers a candid account of perseverance, personal growth, and spiritual transformation. In What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady reflects on the many chapters of a life that defies convention. His journey includes experiences ranging from performing music in neighborhood venues while sharing his Christian faith to serving as a Justice of the Peace in Texas, along with numerous other unexpected turns that reveal both personal struggle and remarkable determination. The inspiration for the memoir comes from Brady's desire to share his life exactly as he lived it, without embellishment or pretense. Looking back across decades of hardship, personal loss, professional change, and spiritual renewal, he recognized an opportunity to document the faith that sustained him through every season. His honest reflections encourage readers to see how perseverance, humility, and trust in God can shape even the most unpredictable life journey. Beyond recounting memorable experiences, the memoir explores broader themes of redemption, purpose, and the enduring influence of faith. Brady demonstrates that a meaningful life is not defined by perfection but by the willingness to continue moving forward despite adversity. His story emphasizes that God's grace often becomes most visible through life's greatest trials, offering readers encouragement to embrace hope and remain faithful through changing circumstances. What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words is written for readers who appreciate inspirational memoirs, Christian testimony, and true stories of resilience. It will resonate with individuals seeking encouragement through life's challenges as well as those interested in authentic accounts of personal transformation. Through thoughtful storytelling and heartfelt reflection, the memoir reminds readers that every experience, no matter how difficult, can contribute to a greater purpose. Mr. Ben E. Brady draws upon a lifetime of diverse experiences, public service, music, and Christian faith to offer readers a memoir rooted in authenticity and gratitude. His commitment to honesty and his willingness to share both victories and failures provide a compelling portrait of a life shaped by perseverance and grace. Through What You See Is What You Get: A Life Story in My Own Words, Brady leaves readers with a timeless reminder that faith can sustain hope through every chapter of life's journey. The book is now available — secure your copy here: https:/a.co/d/07qZMUfz For interview requests, or additional information, please contact: Mr. Ben E. Brady via DM

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

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYONE. Never Humiliate Someone Because of Their Present Condition. TEXTS: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) > “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Supporting Scriptures: 1. Psalm 75:6–7 (KJV) > “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” 2. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV) > “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.” 3. Galatians 6:9 (KJV) > “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” 4. 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV) > “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” 🌟 Key Message Your season may not have come yet, but that does not mean God has forgotten you. Someone may be celebrated today while you are waiting. Someone may be ahead of you today while you are struggling. Do not despise yourself, and do not despise others. God has a time for everyone. Your responsibility is to remain faithful, humble, patient, and prepared until your season comes. > “There is a time for you, and there is a time for another person. When your time comes, no one can stop what God has ordained.” TRUE LIFE STORY:- There was once a very wealthy man in a village named Mr. Okon. He was the only very rich man in the community and lived in the state headquarters, and he owned a magnificent and beautifully furnished house in his Village. Whenever Mr. Okon visited the village, people gathered to welcome him. Men, women, and young people would come to pay their respects. One day, during one of his visits, a ten-year-old boy named Godwin came with some of the villagers to greet him. Mr. Okon welcomed the visitors and asked the men and women to sit on his chairs. However, when he saw Godwin, he told him to sit on the floor. According to Mr. Okon, the boy was not clean enough to sit on his expensive chair. Godwin was deeply humiliated. But rather than argue or insult the rich man, he quietly sat on the floor. Years passed. Godwin grew up, went to the university, graduated successfully, and eventually became the Governor of the State. Meanwhile, Mr. Okon had grown very old. With age, he had forgotten many things that had happened in the past. Godwin eventually built a befitting house in the village. Whenever he visited, he arrived with his convoy and was welcomed by the people. One day, Mr. Okon went to visit Governor Godwin along with others. To his greatest surprise, Godwin recognized him immediately. After the greetings, Godwin respectfully approached the elderly man and asked: "Sir, do you recognize me?" Mr. Okon looked at him carefully but could not remember. Godwin smiled and said: "I am Godwin—the little boy you once asked to sit on the floor because you considered me unworthy of sitting on your chair." Suddenly, Mr. Okon's memory returned. He remembered the little boy he had humiliated many years earlier. He was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he realized how dramatically life had changed. The boy he considered insignificant had become the Governor, while he had become an elderly man seeking his attention. Godwin could have humiliated him in return. He could have ordered him to sit on the floor. But he chose something greater: He showed him respect. And Mr. Okon learned a lesson he would never forget. MORAL LESSONS 1. Never Look Down on People Because of Their Present Condition You may be looking at someone's beginning, not their destination. Godwin was only a ten-year-old boy when Mr. Okon judged him. He could not see the future that God had prepared for him. Never despise someone because they are poor, young, uneducated, unemployed, struggling, or unknown today. Today's condition is not necessarily tomorrow's position. 2. Treat Everyone With Dignity The way you treat people reveals your character. Wealth, position, education, beauty, influence, and power are temporary. But the dignity you give to another human being reflects the quality of your heart. Jesus taught: «"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." — Luke 6:31» Treat the cleaner with respect. Treat the child with respect. Treat the poor with respect. Treat the stranger with respect. Treat the person who cannot help you with respect. 3. Life Has Different Seasons There is a season when one person is ahead and another is behind. There is a season when someone is celebrated while another person is struggling. But seasons change. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time and season for everything. Therefore, never allow your present success to make you arrogant. The person you are ignoring today may occupy an important position tomorrow. 4. Don't Use Your Position to Humiliate Others Mr. Okon had wealth, and he used his position to make a little boy feel inferior. Having power does not give us permission to make others feel worthless. True greatness is demonstrated by how we treat those who have nothing to offer us. 5. Don't Revenge When God Elevates You This is one of the most powerful lessons in the story. Godwin had every opportunity to embarrass Mr. Okon. Instead, he treated him respectfully. That is maturity. Your elevation should not make you become what once hurt you. When God lifts you, don't use your new position to punish everyone who looked down on you. Let your success speak for itself. 6. Never Forget Where You Came From Success can make people forget the days when they needed help. Never forget the people, places, and experiences that shaped your journey. Stay humble. Remember your beginning. Remember those who helped you. And remember that everything you have today can change tomorrow. A MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE Perhaps you are currently sitting on the "floor" of life. People may not recognize you. People may underestimate you. People may laugh at your dreams. People may look at your present circumstances and conclude that you will never amount to anything. Don't give up. Your present position is not the final chapter of your story. And if you are currently sitting on the "chair" of success, don't become proud. Remember: the chair is temporary. One day, someone else may sit there. So while you are rising, lift others. While you are succeeding, encourage others. While you are influential, protect others. And while you are respected, respect others. FINAL REFLECTION You may be ahead of someone today, but you don't know what tomorrow holds for either of you. Therefore: Be humble when you are up. Be patient when you are down. Be kind when you have power. Be respectful when you have influence. And never humiliate someone because of where they are today. There is a time for you. There is a time for another person. And ultimately, there is a time when God changes the story. Prayer Lord, give me a humble heart. Help me never to despise anyone because of their present condition. Teach me to respect every person, regardless of their status. When You lift me, help me remember where I came from and use my position to bless others. And when I am in a difficult season, give me faith to believe that my story is not over. In Jesus' name, Amen. Give your life to Jesus. Locate 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/umohedem-9128 CONTACT - Whatsapp +2349024173027, +2349024173027

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: TEACH CHILDREN NOT TO BELIEVE EVERY BIBLE QUOTE ONLINE. Theme: Test What You Hear Before You Believe It. Key Scripture «“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” — 1 John 4:1» We live in a generation where a Bible verse can go viral in seconds—but being viral does not make it biblical. A beautiful picture with a Bible verse, thousands of likes, and a powerful caption can make something look spiritual. But children must learn an important lesson: “It is written online” does not automatically mean “God said it.” Some quotations circulating online are genuine Bible verses. Some are Bible verses taken out of context. Some are only human sayings that have been placed inside quotation marks and falsely presented as Scripture. If we teach our children to believe everything they see online, they may eventually believe a lie simply because the lie is decorated with a Bible verse. The Bible says: «“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21» Our children need more than smartphones. They need biblical discernment. 1. TEACH CHILDREN THAT THE BIBLE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY 2 Timothy 3:16–17 «“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”» Paul teaches that Scripture comes from God and is useful for teaching, correction, and instruction in righteousness. This means that when an online statement contradicts God's Word, we don't change the Bible to accommodate the internet. We test the internet by the Bible. Teach your children: “Don't ask first, ‘How many people shared it?’ Ask, ‘Where is it written?’” A statement can have one million shares and still be false. Popularity is not proof. 2. TEACH THEM TO READ THE VERSE IN CONTEXT One of the easiest ways to deceive people is to take a true Bible verse and give it a false meaning. For example: «“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13» This verse is often used online to mean, “I can accomplish absolutely anything I want.” But when you read Philippians 4, Paul is talking about learning to live faithfully in both abundance and need. The verse is about Christ strengthening us to remain faithful in every circumstance, not giving us a guarantee that every personal ambition will succeed. Teach children: Never build a doctrine from a verse you have never read in its chapter. A verse has a context. A chapter has a context. A book of the Bible has a context. And God's Word must be handled faithfully. 3. TEACH THEM THAT NOT EVERY “BIBLE QUOTE” IS FROM THE BIBLE This is extremely important in the digital generation. You may see statements such as: “God helps those who help themselves.” It sounds religious. But it is not a Bible verse. You may also see beautiful motivational statements attributed to Jesus, Paul, Solomon, or other biblical characters that they never actually said. Children need to learn the difference between: “The Bible says…” and “Someone said something that sounds biblical.” Those are not the same thing. Acts 17:11 The Bereans were commended because they listened to Paul's teaching but searched the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were true. That is biblical discernment. They did not reject everything. They did not accept everything. They examined everything. 4. TEACH CHILDREN TO ASK QUESTIONS Faith is not afraid of honest questions. When your child sees a Bible quotation online, teach them to ask: 1. Where is this written in the Bible? 2. Who actually said it? 3. What is the context? 4. Does another Scripture support or contradict this interpretation? 5. Is this Scripture—or someone's opinion about Scripture? This is not teaching children to doubt God's Word. It is teaching them not to doubt God's Word because of someone's misuse of it. 1 John 4:1 «“Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”» Notice the Bible does not say, “Believe everything.” Neither does it say, “Believe nothing.” It says: TEST IT. 5. TEACH THEM THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES NOT CANCEL BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT Some people say, “I just feel that this quote is from God.” But feelings are not the final standard of truth. Isaiah 8:20 «“To the law and to the testimony…”» Whatever we believe must be tested against God's revealed Word. The Holy Spirit leads believers into truth, but the Holy Spirit will never lead us into something that contradicts Scripture. Therefore, teach your children: Don't follow every emotional message. Follow truth. An online preacher may be sincere and still be mistaken. A popular Christian influencer may be knowledgeable and still interpret a passage wrongly. A beautiful quote may sound spiritual and still be unscriptural. Sincerity is not the same as truth. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE SERPENT IN THE GARDEN. Genesis 3:1–5 The serpent approached Eve and questioned what God had said. The strategy was subtle. The enemy did not begin by saying, “Forget God.” He began by distorting God's Word. God had given a clear command, but Satan manipulated the meaning. This teaches us something powerful: The enemy does not always attack God's Word by denying it. Sometimes he attacks it by twisting it. That is exactly why our children must know Scripture for themselves. If they only know Bible quotes from social media, someone can easily manipulate them. But if they know the Word in context, they become harder to deceive. A REAL-LIFE DIGITAL CASE STUDY. Imagine a teenager sees a post saying: «“God wants you to be rich. If you are poor, you are outside God's will.”» Thousands of people have liked it. The teenager believes it. Later, the teenager becomes discouraged because his family is struggling financially. He begins thinking: “Maybe God has rejected us.” But then he opens Scripture and discovers faithful servants of God who experienced hardship, persecution, hunger, rejection, and suffering. Suddenly he realizes: Financial hardship is not automatic evidence that God has abandoned you. One misleading online interpretation could have damaged his understanding of God. This is why biblical education must begin at home, in church, and in our children's daily lives. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS AND CHURCH LEADERS. 1. Teach children to carry a physical or digital Bible Don't let social media become their only Bible. 2. Have family Bible-reading time Read the whole passage, not just isolated verses. 3. Encourage questions When your child asks, “Daddy, is this really in the Bible?” don't silence the question. Search the Scriptures together. 4. Teach them how to check references If someone says, “Jesus said this,” ask: “Where did Jesus say it?” 5. Teach them the difference between Scripture and commentary A person's explanation of Scripture is not Scripture itself. 6. Don't let your children blindly follow Christian influencers Respect people, but test teaching. 7. Model discernment yourself Children learn not only from what we preach but from what they see us share. Before forwarding a Christian message, ask: “Is this actually biblical?” DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT The greatest danger facing the next generation may not be that they stop seeing Bible verses. It may be that they see many Bible verses without learning how to understand the Bible. We can raise children who know hundreds of Christian quotes but do not know the God of Scripture. We can raise children who know Christian hashtags but cannot defend their faith. We can raise children who can recognize a viral preacher but cannot recognize false teaching. Therefore, our assignment is not merely to give children Bible information. Our assignment is to develop biblical discernment. Hosea 4:6 «“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”» Knowledge matters. Understanding matters. Discernment matters. The next generation needs believers who can say, “That sounds good, but let me check the Word of God.” QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Do I believe something because it is biblical or because it is popular? 2. Do I read Bible passages in context? 3. Can I distinguish Scripture from someone's interpretation? 4. Am I teaching my children how to examine what they see online? 5. Do I verify Christian messages before sharing them? 6. If someone misquotes Scripture, would I recognize the error? 7. Are my children learning the Bible—or merely learning Bible quotes? POWERFUL PRAYER POIN. 1. Prayer for Discernment Father, give our children spiritual discernment to distinguish truth from error, in Jesus' name. 2. Prayer Against Deception Lord, protect the minds of our children from every form of spiritual deception and false teaching. 3. Prayer for Love of God's Word Father, create in our children a genuine hunger for Your Word. Let them love Scripture and desire to know You. 4. Prayer for Parents Lord, give parents wisdom to teach their children biblical truth and model godly discernment. 5. Prayer for the Digital Generation Father, let social media become a tool for spreading truth rather than a doorway to deception. 6. Prayer for Spiritual Stability Lord, establish our children so deeply in Your Word that no strange teaching will easily move them. CALL TO ACTION Parents, pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders—we must wake up. Our children are being discipled every day. Someone is teaching them through TikTok. Someone is teaching them through YouTube. Someone is teaching them through Facebook. Someone is teaching them through Instagram. The question is not whether our children are being taught. The question is: WHO IS TEACHING THEM? Don't simply tell them: “Don't believe everything online.” Teach them HOW TO TEST EVERYTHING BY THE WORD OF GOD. Don't only give them a Bible. Teach them how to read it. Don't only tell them to follow Jesus. Teach them how to recognize voices that misrepresent Jesus. And don't allow the internet to become your child's Bible teacher. Let God's Word remain the foundation. Remember: Not everything that sounds Christian is biblical. Not everything with a Bible verse is God's message. Not everything that goes viral is true. Test it. Search it. Examine it. Compare it with Scripture. And when truth is found— HOLD FAST TO IT. «“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21» May God raise a generation that will not merely quote the Bible, but KNOW the Bible, UNDERSTAND the Bible, LIVE the Bible, and DEFEND the truth of God's Word. Amen. Give your life to Jesus today. Join a Bible believing Church near me. 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 https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 https://www.facebook.com/share/1GWgNaqLrD/ Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

WELCOME my new Friend and follower of my Page here on Lordsbook.com ***** MY LATEST POSTS ARE BELOW THIS ONE ***** I receive hundreds of Messages, so I regret that I am not able to reply to you as that special and unique individual which of course you are. However despite the limitations of the situation, you are certainly valued. I am often the second or third person on Lordsbook.com to greet and befriend new members with a range of intentionally Inspirational Christian Posts. I have provided some of our personal details at the left top of my page. If you have SPECIFIC questions concerning the Christian Faith, we will do our best to assist you. To review other new members, Click on to DIRECTORY and select USERS. You can then EITHER click onto the icon by the person’s name to review their page, and issue a ‘friend invitation’ if you wish, or keep on going backwards from the >> icon to review. ( if using a DESKTOP COMPUTER click on to PHOTOS at the top of your page, and then click onto DIRECTORY at the bottom of your page the person’s name to review their page You can then EITHER click onto the icon by the person’s name to review their page, and issue a ‘friend invitation’ if you wish, or keep on going backwards from the >> icon to review) ALSO LOOK ON THE 'GROUP PAGES' - IS YOUR COUNTRY REPRESENTED ? START UP A GROUP IF NOT. ~~ I also have a group named UNITED KINGDOM primarily for Christians rom the UNITED KINGDOM or British Commonwealth citizens It's at https://lordsbook.com/groups/United.Kingdom1 if that's you - JOIN AND POST! I personally do not subscribe to Whatsapp or Instagram. My wife and I are elderly and retired and we no longer travel overseas or financially support additional ministries. We have a few health challenges due to our age which is not unexpected. Our financial resources are already arranged and geared to tithing and Gifts to our local church. We are not in a position to support additional Ministries. ** It is most important that all members carefully read the DISCLAIMER section on Lordsbook *** Sincere Blessings in Jesus Christ, Robin Stephen Aldrich

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE REAL REASON BARABBAS WAS SET FREE AND NOT JESUS. Main Text: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25; John 18:38–40 There are moments in Scripture that make us stop and ask, “How could this happen?” Jesus was innocent. Barabbas was guilty. Jesus healed the sick. Barabbas was a criminal. Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Barabbas was associated with rebellion and violence. Yet the crowd shouted: “Release Barabbas!” And concerning Jesus: “Crucify Him!” It looks like injustice won. But here is the deeper truth: Barabbas was not simply released because Jesus lost the argument. Barabbas was released because Jesus was going to take his place. The story of Barabbas is actually a picture of the Gospel. Barabbas represents the guilty sinner. Jesus represents the innocent Savior. Barabbas walked away free because Jesus walked toward the cross. And that is the mystery of grace: The guilty goes free because the innocent One takes his place. 1. BARABBAS WAS GUILTY, BUT JESUS WAS INNOCENT Pilate examined Jesus and repeatedly found no sufficient reason to condemn Him. Luke 23:22 says: «“I have found no reason for death in Him.”» Jesus was innocent. But Barabbas had committed serious crimes. Mark 15:7 tells us that Barabbas had been involved in rebellion and murder. So, humanly speaking, the choice should have been obvious. But the crowd chose Barabbas. Why? Because the cross was not an accident. Jesus had already declared that He came to give His life for others. Mark 10:45 says: «“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”» Jesus knew why He came. He came to become the substitute. Spiritual Insight Sometimes we ask, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The answer is partly found in Barabbas. Someone had to bear the consequence of sin. And Jesus willingly took that place. 2. BARABBAS RECEIVED WHAT JESUS DESERVED This is the shocking part of the story. Barabbas deserved punishment. Jesus deserved no punishment. Yet Barabbas walked out of prison. Jesus walked toward Golgotha. Barabbas went free. Jesus was condemned. Barabbas was released. Jesus was crucified. This is substitution. The guilty person goes free because the innocent person takes his place. Isaiah 53:5 declares: «“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.”» Notice the language: Our transgressions. Our iniquities. Our punishment. The cross was personal. Jesus was not dying because He had sinned. He was dying because we had sinned. Think About This Barabbas probably did not understand everything that was happening. He may have walked out of that prison wondering how he escaped death. But we know something he may not have understood: Another Man died in his place. And spiritually, that is our story. We were guilty. Christ took our place. 3. THE RELEASE OF BARABBAS REVEALS THE DEPTH OF GOD'S GRACE Grace is not God pretending that sin does not matter. Grace is God dealing with sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Romans 5:8 says: «“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”» That means Jesus did not wait for us to become perfect before He loved us. He loved us while we were still sinners. Barabbas did not earn his freedom. He did not negotiate his release. He did not pay the governor. He simply received an unexpected release. That is grace. Grace is receiving what you could never earn because someone else paid the price. You cannot boast about salvation. You cannot say, “I saved myself.” No. Jesus saved you. 4. THE CROWD CHOSE BARABBAS, BUT GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH THE CROSS The crowd thought they were making the final decision. But heaven had already established a redemptive purpose. Acts 2:23 says that Jesus was delivered according to the “determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” This does not mean the people were innocent. Their choices were still sinful. But God was able to accomplish His redemptive plan through what sinful people intended for evil. This is one of the mysteries of God's sovereignty. People thought: “We are getting rid of Jesus.” God was accomplishing: “I am providing salvation for humanity.” The cross looked like defeat. But it became victory. The grave looked like the end. But resurrection was coming. Never Judge God's Work Too Early There may be seasons in your life when everything looks like it is going in the wrong direction. But remember Calvary. Friday looked like defeat. Sunday revealed the victory. Do not conclude the story while God is still writing it. 5. BARABBAS IS A PICTURE OF EVERY SINNER WHO RECEIVES SALVATION We often read the story and say: “Why did they release Barabbas?” But there is another question: “What if I were Barabbas?” What if you were the one sitting in that prison? What if you knew punishment was coming? What if you knew you were guilty? Then suddenly, the story becomes personal. Barabbas walked out because Jesus took his place. And every person who comes to Christ in genuine faith can say: “I deserved judgment, but Christ took my place.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: «“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”» That is the Gospel. Jesus took our place so that we could receive His righteousness. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE CROSS Look at the sequence. Barabbas: Guilty. Jesus: Innocent. Barabbas: Imprisoned. Jesus: Free. Barabbas: Released. Jesus: Condemned. Barabbas: Walked away. Jesus: Walked toward the cross. Barabbas: Lived because another died. Believers: Receive eternal life because Christ died and rose again. The cross is therefore more than a religious symbol. It is the place where justice and mercy met. Justice says sin must be dealt with. Mercy says sinners can be saved. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment so that mercy could reach us. PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR CHRISTIANS. 1. Never take salvation for granted. You were not saved because you were better than someone else. You were saved by grace. Therefore, remain humble. 2. Stop trying to earn God's love You cannot work your way into salvation. Serve God because you love Him, not because you are trying to purchase His acceptance. 3. Forgive others If Christ has forgiven you, you must learn to extend forgiveness to others. 4. Live like someone who has been set free Barabbas walked out of prison. The believer has also been delivered from the dominion of sin. Do not keep living like a prisoner when Christ has made you free. 5. Tell someone about Jesus Your testimony may be simple: “I was guilty, but Jesus took my place.” That is powerful enough. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Have I truly understood what Jesus accomplished for me on the cross? 2. Am I trying to earn God's acceptance instead of receiving His grace? 3. Do I live like someone who has been set free? 4. Have I truly repented of my sins? 5. Who can I tell about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? 6. Do I extend to others the same mercy I have received from Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to take my place. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I will never take my salvation for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, forgive me for every sin, disobedience, pride, and rebellion in my life. Cleanse me and help me walk faithfully with You. Amen. 3. Prayer for Freedom Every chain of sin, addiction, fear, and spiritual bondage in my life, break in the name of Jesus. I declare that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Amen. 4. Prayer for Grace Father, help me to understand the depth of Your grace and to live every day with gratitude for what Christ has done for me. Amen. 5. Prayer for Others Lord, use my life to bring other Barabbases to Jesus—people who feel condemned, rejected, broken, and far from You. Let my testimony point them to the cross. Amen. DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH Here is the heart of the message: Barabbas was released, not because he was innocent, but because another took his place. And that is the Gospel. We are not saved because we are perfect. We are saved because Jesus is perfect. We are not accepted because we deserve it. We are accepted because Christ paid the price. We are not standing before God because of our righteousness. We stand because of His righteousness. The cross says: “Your sin is serious, but God's grace is greater.” CALL TO ACTION Today, do not simply admire the story of Barabbas. See yourself in it. You were guilty. Christ took your place. You were condemned. Christ bore the condemnation. You were far from God. Christ opened the way back to the Father. The question is not merely: “Why was Barabbas released?” The deeper question is: “What will I do with the Jesus who took my place?” Will you continue living for yourself? Or will you surrender your life completely to Him? Will you keep returning to the prison of sin? Or will you walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you? Jesus took your place. Now give Him your life. «“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36» You are not free because you were innocent. You are free because Jesus became your substitute. THE CROSS WAS HIS PLACE. THE FREEDOM WAS YOURS. THE SACRIFICE WAS HIS. THE GRACE IS YOURS. Come to Jesus. Remain in Jesus. Live for Jesus. And tell the world about Jesus. Amen. Give your life 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 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 https://www.facebook.com/share/14futvERWUD/

📖 DON’T JUST READ THE BIBLE. UNDERSTAND IT. We live in a world filled with Bible verses on social media, coffee mugs, T-shirts, signs, and inspirational graphics. But knowing a verse is not always the same as understanding what that verse actually means. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/24/read-the-bible-in-context-moving-beyond-isolated-verses-to-a-deeper-understanding-of-gods-word/ Context matters. The Bible was written in books, letters, histories, poetry, prophecy, and Gospel accounts—not as a collection of random quotations. Before asking, “What does this verse mean to me?” we should first ask: ➡️ What does the passage actually say?
➡️ Who was the original audience?
➡️ What was the author communicating?
➡️ What comes before and after the verse?
➡️ How does this passage fit into the larger story of Scripture?
➡️ How should this truth change the way I live? Paul told Timothy to work hard so that he could correctly explain the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT). Bible study should move us beyond simply reading Scripture toward truly understanding and applying it. READ.
OBSERVE.
UNDERSTAND.
APPLY. When we learn to read Scripture in context, we begin to see more clearly the character of God, the seriousness of sin, the beauty of grace, the glory of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Gospel. 📖 Read the full article and be encouraged to approach God's Word with greater care, humility, and purpose. #BibleStudy #ReadTheBible #BibleInContext #Scripture #WordOfGod #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTruth #BibleTeaching #ChristianDiscipleship #JesusChrist #TheGospel #SpiritualGrowth #NLTBible #AGuyAndHisBible

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE MOST DANGEROUS BELIEVERS ARE NOT THOSE WHO LEAVE THE CHURCH. Theme: Examining the danger of remaining around the things of God while the heart is far from God Scripture: Matthew 7:21–23; Revelation 3:1–3; Luke 18:9–14 Church, let me begin with a statement that may shock you: The most dangerous believer is not always the one who leaves the church. Sometimes, it is the one who remains in the church but leaves Christ in the heart. Some people leave the church physically, and everybody notices. But there are others who remain in the congregation, sing the songs, carry the Bible, attend services, shout “Amen,” give offerings, quote Scriptures—and yet their hearts have slowly moved away from God. They have not left the building, but they have left the Presence. Jesus warned us that there would be people who would say, “Lord, Lord,” and yet He would say, “I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:23. This means church attendance is not the same thing as spiritual transformation. You can sit in church and still be far from God. You can know Christian language and not know Christ. You can serve in a department and secretly serve your flesh. You can have a title without having a testimony. The question is not merely: “Am I in church?” The deeper question is: “Is Christ truly ruling my life?” KEY BIBLE VERSES. 1. Matthew 7:21–23 — “Lord, Lord” Jesus said: «“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”» Notice something frightening: these people called Jesus “Lord.” They knew the language of faith. They even claimed to have done mighty works. Yet Jesus said, “I never knew you.” Spiritual lesson: It is possible to be familiar with the things of God without having a genuine relationship with God. Church activity cannot replace spiritual intimacy. 2. Revelation 3:1 — “You have a name that you are alive” Jesus told the church at Sardis: «“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”» What a frightening diagnosis! The church had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus saw something different. People saw activity. Jesus saw the heart. People saw the appearance. Jesus saw the condition. Spiritual lesson: God is more interested in who you are privately than who you appear to be publicly. 3. Isaiah 29:13 «“This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me; but have removed their heart far from me.”» Their lips were close. Their hearts were far away. This is the danger of religious appearance without genuine surrender. 5 TYPES OF DANGEROUS BELIEVERS 1. THE BELIEVER WHO KNOWS SCRIPTURE BUT REFUSES TO OBEY IT There is a difference between knowing God's Word and living God's Word. James 1:22 says: «“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”» Some believers can explain forgiveness but refuse to forgive. They can preach holiness but live carelessly. They can quote Scripture but manipulate people. They know what God says, but they have decided to obey themselves. Deep insight: Information without transformation can produce religious pride. The devil does not necessarily fear a Christian who knows many Bible verses. He fears the Christian who believes, obeys, and lives the Word. 2. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT NO POWER 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks about people: «“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”» A form is an outward appearance. It looks right. It sounds right. But something is missing inside. You can dress like a Christian. Talk like a Christian. Post Christian messages. Attend Christian programs. And still refuse to surrender your character to Christ. Ask yourself: What happens to my Christianity when nobody is watching? That is where genuine Christianity is tested. Your secret life is a better measurement of your spiritual condition than your public reputation. 3. THE BELIEVER WHO HAS BECOME COMFORTABLE WITH SIN One of the most dangerous conditions is not falling into sin accidentally. It is becoming comfortable with sin deliberately. The believer begins by saying: «“It is only once.”» Then: «“Everybody is doing it.”» Then: «“God understands.”» Eventually, the conscience becomes quiet. Romans 6:1–2 warns against continuing in sin because grace abounds. Deep spiritual truth: Grace is not permission to remain in sin. Grace is God's power to bring us out of sin. If something is destroying your relationship with God, don't defend it. Repent from it. 4. THE BELIEVER WHO LOVES THE CHURCH BUT DOES NOT LOVE CHRIST This may sound strange, but it happens. Someone can love: - The choir - The pastor - The church building - Christian conferences - Christian music - Christian social media - Christian friendships …but fail to love Jesus with all their heart. Jesus told the church at Ephesus: «“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” — Revelation 2:4» They were working. They were enduring. They were doctrinally discerning. But they had lost their first love. Important lesson: You can be busy doing things for Jesus while becoming distant from Jesus. Don't allow ministry to replace relationship. Don't allow your assignment to replace intimacy. Don't allow the work of God to become more important than the God of the work. 5. THE BELIEVER WHO REFUSES CORRECTION A dangerous believer is one who cannot be corrected. When the pastor preaches against something they are doing, they become angry. When a mature Christian warns them, they say: «“Don't judge me.”» When Scripture confronts their lifestyle, they look for another interpretation. Proverbs 12:1 says: «“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”» Spiritual maturity means: I am willing to be corrected because I want to become more like Christ. A person who cannot receive correction will eventually become a prisoner of their own deception. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: JUDAS ISCARIOT Judas is one of the most sobering examples in Scripture. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard Jesus teach. He witnessed miracles. He traveled with the disciples. He was part of the ministry. He was close enough to Jesus to call Him Master. Yet Judas eventually betrayed Him. This teaches us something frightening: Being close to spiritual things does not automatically mean your heart belongs to God. You can be around anointed people and remain unchanged. You can witness miracles and still struggle with unbelief. You can carry a Bible and still carry bitterness. You can occupy a position and lose your spiritual condition. But there is hope. Peter also failed Jesus. The difference was that Peter returned in repentance. Judas allowed his failure to lead him into destruction. Failure does not have to be the end of your story. Repentance can become the beginning of restoration. PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. EXAMINE YOUR HEART Psalm 139:23–24: «“Search me, O God, and know my heart…”» Don't only ask, “What is wrong with others?” Ask: “Lord, what needs to change in me?” 2. RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE If prayer has become a duty, return. If Bible reading has become routine, return. If worship has become performance, return. If your passion for Christ has disappeared, return. 3. STOP JUSTIFYING WHAT GOD IS ASKING YOU TO REPENT OF Don't rename sin. Don't call disobedience “weakness.” Don't call compromise “wisdom.” Don't call rebellion “freedom.” When God reveals something, respond with repentance. 4. PRACTICE PRIVATE CHRISTIANITY Pray when nobody is watching. Read the Word when nobody is applauding. Give when nobody knows. Forgive when nobody forces you. Serve when nobody celebrates you. What you do privately reveals what you truly value. 5. STAY TEACHABLE Allow God's Word to correct you. Allow mature believers to challenge you. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you. A heart that can still be corrected is a heart that can still be transformed. DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS 1. PROXIMITY TO HOLY THINGS DOES NOT GUARANTEE HOLINESS. Judas was close to Jesus physically, but his heart was not surrendered. 2. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY CAN HIDE SPIRITUAL DECLINE. A person can become busier in church while becoming colder toward God. 3. GOD LOOKS BEYOND THE PLATFORM. People may see your preaching. God sees your private life. People hear your words. God knows your motives. 4. THE GREATEST DANGER IS SELF-DECEPTION. A sinner who knows he is lost may seek help. But someone who is lost and believes he is spiritually healthy may never seek rescue. 5. JESUS DOES NOT ONLY WANT YOUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE. He wants your heart. He wants your character. He wants your obedience. He wants your entire life. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Am I following Jesus or merely following Christian activities? 2. Does my private life agree with my public confession? 3. Is there any sin I have become comfortable with? 4. Can I receive correction without becoming offended? 5. Have I lost my first love for Christ? 6. Am I more concerned about what people think about me than what God thinks about me? 7. If Jesus examined my heart today, what would He find? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, search my heart and expose everything in me that is not pleasing to You, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord Jesus, deliver me from religious appearance without spiritual reality. 3. Father, restore my first love for You. Let my passion for Christ become stronger again. 4. Lord, give me grace to obey Your Word, not merely hear it. 5. Every spirit of hypocrisy and self-deception, be broken over my life, in Jesus' name. 6. Father, give me a heart that receives correction and grows in wisdom. 7. Lord, let my private life and public testimony agree. 8. Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. 9. Father, keep me faithful to Christ until the end of my journey. CALL TO ACTION Beloved, don't leave this message thinking about another believer. Think about yourself. Don't ask: «“Who in my church needs to hear this?”» Ask: «“Lord, what are You saying to me?”» The goal of Christianity is not simply to remain in church. The goal is to remain in Christ. Jesus said in John 15:4: «“Abide in me, and I in you.”» Don't just carry the name Christian. Carry Christ in your heart. Don't just attend church. Become the church wherever you go. Don't just quote the Word. Live the Word. Don't just raise your hands in worship. Surrender your heart in obedience. And don't wait until you stand before Jesus to discover that you were close to church but far from Christ. TODAY, RETURN TO JESUS. Return to your first love. Return to prayer. Return to the Word. Return to holiness. Return to obedience. Return to genuine fellowship with Christ. The greatest question is not, “Did I attend church?” It is: “DOES JESUS TRULY KNOW ME?” May we never be believers who merely look alive. May we be believers who are truly alive in Christ. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. FINAL DECLARATION I will not merely look like a Christian; I will live for Christ. I will not only hear God's Word; I will obey it. I will not hide behind religious activity; I will pursue genuine relationship with Jesus. My heart belongs to Christ, my life belongs to Christ, and my future belongs to Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my sela/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com