Here is a testimony of an African pastor from Northern Nigeria about the realities of Muslim persecution of Christians…and his godly response https://www.buzzsprout.com/1852871/episodes/19720897-ep-106-terror-trauma-in-northern-nigeria?t=0 Or https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rpkus5nj5Y8&list=PLjX61EROmQUjYon_U83hUPKhpC73tc4Xu&index=1&pp=iAQB Or https://open.spotify.com/episode/3RkvLauPdo0Vk8yWoOUmfB?si=jhyTSz5qSqelugoj_l7FqA&utm_source=copy-link

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥 ✍️ “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦; 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘵, 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦.” Starting well is important, but finishing well is essential. A new commitment, a new ministry, or a fresh decision to follow Christ can fill us with zeal. But many begin with excitement and grow weary when the road becomes difficult. Whether we are running with strength or barely taking the next step, the question is not whether we started—but whether we will remain faithful until the end. Near the end of his life, Paul declared in 𝟐 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝟒:𝟕, “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩.” His journey was marked by persecution, imprisonment, rejection, and suffering. Yet he did not measure life by comfort or convenience. By God's grace, Paul finished the course God gave him. He did not quit when the race became difficult. A runner does not receive the crown for leaving the starting line, but for crossing the finish line. So it is with the Christian life. There will be hills that exhaust us, storms that slow us, and voices that tell us to quit. But every faithful step, even when it is weak and unseen, moves us nearer to the finish. Scripture calls us to endurance: “𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘴” (𝐇𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝟏𝟐:𝟏), while “𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩” (𝐇𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝟏𝟐:𝟐). We are also commanded, “𝘉𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦” (𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐:𝟏𝟎). Faithfulness is not measured by one moment of excitement, but by a life that continues to trust and obey Christ. The enemy does not need to make us openly deny Christ if he can simply make us quietly drift away. Don't run like a broken compass—moving constantly but going nowhere. “𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨” (𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟔:𝟗). We do not finish by our own strength; we finish by daily dependence upon the Saviour. Before Paul could say, “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦,” Christ had already finished the work Paul could never do. On the cross, Jesus cried, “𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥” (𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟗:𝟑𝟎). He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (𝟏 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟑–𝟒). Our faithfulness does not earn salvation; Christ's finished work secures it. Because He finished redemption, we can faithfully finish our race. So where are you in the race today? What has tempted you to slow down, turn aside, or quit? We don't need Christ merely to help us cross the finish line—we need Him because He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The race may be long. The road may be hard. But the finish is worth the fighting for. Start faithfully. Stay faithfully. Finish well, willingly. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫: Heavenly Father, thank You for Christ, who finished the work of redemption for us. Forgive us for growing weary and turning toward easier paths. Strengthen us to endure, keep the faith, and serve You faithfully to the end. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Remember, a dose of God’s Word a day will keep you going all day! 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝... _____________________________________________________ All scripture references were taken from the KJV Bible. Thank you for allowing this ministry to be a part of your day… If my posts speak to your heart, you may be blessed by the full devotional series created for deeper reflection and journaling: 👉 FREE FlipBook Previews: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ae17998766.html 📚 Also available now on Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) ✨ Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/author/dennislastimoso Also, just in case you need a reliable, dedicated online Bible Study Tool, I created one for you. 👉 Try it here for FREE, anytime at your hand: https://www.baptistry.app Your support helps us continue this ministry, edifying the believers around the world. May God bless you more abundantly…

https://youtube.com/live/tFh8mkzNvio Psalm 102:13 : "You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come." Zion represents God's people in a time of distress or waiting. The church in Haiti, India, Nigeria, China and in many other places are facing strong persecution. Our prayers can reach where we cannot reach physically. We pray for compassion for the oppressed, and comfort for the helpless in the church. God specifically listens to the cries of the captive, the broken, and the desperate. Kindly join prayer meeting if you can at 8PM West Africa Time. God Bless!

SERMON: WHY SINNERS, UNBELIEVERS REFUSE THE GOSPEL — 2 COR 4:3-4 — LAST WARNING OF THIS LAST AGE — THROUGH VISIONS GIVEN TO REAGAN WITNESS — Acts 26:16 Text: 2 Cor 4:3-4 — But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of gospel of glory of Christ, who is image of God, should shine on them. 1. WHY THEY REFUSE GOSPEL — IT IS INFLUENCE OF SATAN Gospel is not hard — But Satan — god of this age — has blinded minds — 2 Cor 4:4 How does this blinding show? — In what you see today: Mocking: When you preach Jesus is way — They laugh — 2 Pet 3:3 — Scoffers will come in last days walking according to own lusts — Ps 1:1 — Sits in seat of scornful — That mocking is not just man — It's Satan influencing to despise truth. Persecution: They insult, chase, want to beat witness — John 15:18-20 — If world hates you, you know it hated Me before it hated you — 2 Tim 3:12 — All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution — Satan uses people to fight gospel. Unbelief & Compromise from Truth: Sinner says "I will repent tomorrow" — Compromising church says "We love Jesus but we still keep sin" — Unbeliever — Muslim, etc — Says "There are many ways" — 2 Cor 4:3 — Gospel veiled to those perishing — Rom 1:18 — Unrighteousness suppresses truth — This is veil of Satan. Why? Because Prov 29:18 — Where there is no vision, people perish — Hos 4:6 — My people destroyed for lack of knowledge — Satan puts veil so they cannot see light — John 8:12 — I am light of world 2. WHY SATAN DOES IT — HE IS ALREADY JUDGED AND DOES NOT WANT TO GO ALONE TO ETERNAL FIRE John 16:11 — Ruler of this world is judged — John 12:31 — Now ruler of this world will be cast out — Rev 20:10 — Devil who deceived them was cast into lake of fire and brimstone Satan knows his time short — Rev 12:12 — Devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows his time is short — He already judged — Hell prepared for him — Matt 25:41 — Everlasting fire prepared for devil and his angels His intention: Not to go alone — But with all evildoers who refuse gospel and refuse to repent — Rev 21:8 — But cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is second death — 2 Pet 3:9 — Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance He wants company in eternal fire — That's why he blinds. 3. ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL — JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY — THROUGH FAITH AND OBEYING HIS TEACHING John 14:6 — I am way, truth, and life. No one comes to Father except through Me — Acts 4:12 — Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved — John 3:16 — Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life — Rom 6:16 — Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? — Heb 5:9 — He became author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him — Matt 7:21 — Not everyone who says to Me Lord, Lord, shall enter kingdom, but he who does will of Father Faith in Christ = Live clean — Purity — 1 John 3:3 — Everyone who has this hope purifies himself — Titus 2:11-12 — Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, godly in present age Refuse = Perish — Face endtimes judgement of God — Heb 9:27 — Appointed for men to die once, but after this judgment — Rev 20:11-15 — Great white throne judgment — Anyone not found written in Book of Life was cast into lake of fire 4. VISIONS OF WARNING GIVEN IN THIS LAST AGE THROUGH ME REAGAN HIS SERVANT WITNESS — Acts 26:16 Acts 26:16 — I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of things which you have seen and of things which I will yet reveal to you God appointed me Reagan His servant witness to testify to what He has shown me — Job 33:14-15 — God may speak in one way, or in another, in a dream, in vision of night — Visions I saw after they vanished — RED 7 Vision in sky — Warning of blood, judgement, endtime wrath coming — Joel 2:30-31 — I will show wonders in heavens and earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. Sun shall be turned to darkness, moon to blood, before coming of great and terrible day of LORD — Rev 6:12 — Moon became like blood Green 7 on wall — Warning of life, but also deception of false peace, compromise — People think green = safe — But without holiness, green withers — Ps 37:2 — They shall soon be cut down like grass, wither as green herb — Mark 4:19 — Deceitfulness of riches choke Word Skeleton vision — Warning of spiritual death — Churches and people walking but dead inside — No Spirit — Ezek 37:11 — These bones are whole house of Israel; they say Our bones are dry — Rev 3:1 — You have name that you are alive, but you are dead — Eph 5:14 — Awake you who sleep, arise from dead, and Christ will give you light These are visions of warning, spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival, awakening, and repentance — Hab 2:2-3 — Write vision, make it plain, that he may run who reads it. For vision is yet for appointed time; at end it will speak — Acts 2:17 — In last days I will pour out My Spirit, your young men shall see visions Given Unto you of this last age so that you don't perish — Prov 29:18 — Where there is no vision people perish, but he who keeps law, happy is he — 2 Chron 20:20 — Believe in LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper 5. FINAL WARNING — LAST CALL This is last warning — To unbelievers — Muslims, sinners, compromising church — To prepare through repentance and live clean through faith in Christ and be saved — Or refuse and perish — Face endtimes judgement of God — Isa 55:6-7 — Seek LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let wicked forsake his way, and unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to LORD, and He will have mercy — Luke 13:3 — Unless you repent you will all likewise perish — 2 Cor 6:2 — Behold, now is accepted time; behold, now is day of salvation — Rev 22:12 — Behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work ALTAR CALL: If you are perishing with veil of Satan — Mocking, persecuting, unbelieving, compromising — Come now — Remove veil by Blood — 2 Cor 3:16 — When one turns to Lord, veil is taken away — Believe in Jesus, obey His teaching — Rom 6:16 — Live pure, blameless — Be saved — Eternal life is real — Eternal fire is real — Choose life — Deut 30:19 — I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life In Jesus Name — Amen

SERMON for last age — which l the appointed witness of Jesus Reagan l give you— centered on 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. that l have Preached to you in Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD. acts26:16, Heb1:1-2 --- SERMON: WHY THEY REFUSE THE GOSPEL — THE VEIL OF THE god OF THIS WORLD Text: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 "But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." Key: Proverbs 29:18 — "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." INTRODUCTION: Church, Gospel is not weak. Gospel is power Romans 1:16. But many hear and refuse. Sinners, unbelievers — Muslims, idolaters, lukewarm — they mock, they persecute, they compromise truth. Why? Paul answers: Gospel is veiled. Not because preacher failed. Because god of this age — Satan — has blinded their minds 2 Cor 4:4. In this last age, God has appointed me Reagan, His servant witness, to testify what He showed me after they vanished — RED 7 vision in sky, Green 7 on wall, skeleton vision — visions of warning, spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival, repentance — so that you of this last age don't perish Proverbs 29:18. PART 1: 4 PROOFS THAT REFUSAL IS SATAN'S INFLUENCE — NOT JUST HUMAN 1. MOCKING — Spirit of Scoffer 2 Peter 3:3-4 — "Scoffers will come in last days, walking according to own lusts, saying Where is promise of His coming?" When you preach Jesus is way, they laugh: "You Christians are brainwashed, Jesus is not Son." That mocking is not intellect — it is veil. Acts 17:32 — Some mocked when they heard resurrection. Satan uses mocking to hide glory 2 Cor 4:4 — "lest light of gospel of glory should shine." 2. PERSECUTION — Spirit of Murderer John 8:44 — Satan was murderer from beginning. John 16:2 — "Whoever kills you will think he offers God service." When sinners persecute preachers, stone, jail, insult — that is god of this age fighting through them. Matthew 5:11-12 — Blessed are you when persecuted for My sake. Why they persecute? Veil. Blind mind cannot see you bring life. 3. UNBELIEF — Spirit of Blindness 2 Cor 4:4 — minds blinded. John 12:40 — He has blinded their eyes and hardened hearts. Muslim, sinner, unbeliever says "I cannot believe Jesus is only way, all ways lead to God." That is not logic — that is blindfold by Satan. Ephesians 4:18 — understanding darkened, alienated from life of God because of blindness of heart. They read same Bible, hear same preaching, but veil remains. 4. COMPROMISE FROM TRUTH — Spirit of Deceiver 1 Timothy 4:1 — In latter times some will depart from faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits. They say "We believe but we can also do our old ways — fornication, lying, drinking, small compromises." Romans 6:16 — "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" Compromise is veil — makes Gospel look like not serious. PART 2: WHY SATAN DOES THIS — HE IS ALREADY JUDGED AND DOES NOT WANT TO GO ALONE 1. Satan Already Judged John 16:11 — "The ruler of this world is judged." John 12:31 — "Now is judgment of this world, now ruler of this world will be cast out." Colossians 2:15 — He disarmed principalities, triumphed over them by cross. Satan knows his time short Revelation 12:12. Lake of fire prepared not for man, but for devil and his angels Matthew 25:41. 2. He Wants Company in Eternal Fire — Not Go Alone Revelation 20:10 — Devil cast into lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 — "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is second death." Satan's mission John 10:10 — steal, kill, destroy — wants to take all evildoers who did not accept Gospel and repent with him to fire. That is why he blinds 2 Cor 4:4 — so they don't accept Gospel and repent — so they perish with him. PART 3: ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL — JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY 1. Eternal Life and Eternal Fire Are Real Revelation 21:8 — second death is real. Not story. Not symbolic. Skeleton vision God showed me — after flesh vanished, bones remained — sign of death without Christ — perish. Daniel 12:2 — "Some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt." 2. Jesus Is The Way To Escape Through Faith AND Obedience John 14:6 — "I am the way, truth, and life. No one comes to Father except through Me." Acts 4:12 — No other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Romans 6:16 — Faith without obedience is slavery to sin. You become slave to whom you obey. Obey sin — death. Obey Jesus teaching — righteousness leading to eternal life. John 3:36 — He who believes in Son has everlasting life; he who does not believe shall not see life. Not just believe — obey His teaching. Matthew 7:21 — Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter, but he who does will of Father. PART 4: VISIONS FOR THIS LAST AGE — SO YOU DON'T PERISH Prov 29:18 God did not leave this last age without witness. He appointed me Reagan, servant witness, to testify what I saw after they vanished. 1. RED 7 Vision in Sky After it vanished, Lord showed me: RED is blood Leviticus 17:11, 7 is completion Genesis 2:2. Judgment complete by blood. Either blood of Jesus covers you, or your own blood required in fire Hebrews 9:22. Warning to repent before blood required. 2. Green 7 On The Wall Green is life, mercy, revival Psalm 23:2 green pastures. 7 is perfection. After it vanished — message: God still giving last chance for spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival John 3:3 — You must be born again — awakening in last age. Green 7 — fullness of mercy before RED 7 judgment. 3. Skeleton Vision After flesh vanished, skeleton remained — Ezekiel 37:1-4 — valley of dry bones — without Spirit, man is dead bones, even while walking. Many in church are skeletons — religious but dead. Need breath of Holy Ghost to live. Proverbs 29:18 — Where no vision, people perish. These visions are given so you don't perish — but repent, rebirth, revival. CONCLUSION: ALTAR CALL FOR AWAKENING 2 Corinthians 6:2 — Now is day of salvation. Satan has blinded you with mocking, persecution, unbelief, compromise — but Jesus came to open blind eyes Luke 4:18. Today if you are sinner, unbeliever — Muslim, drunkard, fornicator, liar — veil can be removed 2 Corinthians 3:16 — "When one turns to Lord, veil taken away." PRAYER OF REPENTANCE: In Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD — god of this age, I renounce your veil! 2 Cor 4:4 — I turn to Jesus! I believe Gospel! I accept Jesus as only way to eternal life John 14:6! I repent of sin, unbelief, mocking, compromise! Romans 6:16 — I choose to obey Jesus teaching, not sin! By blood of Jesus I escape Rev 21:8 second death and receive eternal life! Remove blindness, give me rebirth, revival, awakening — like RED 7 blood covering me, Green 7 mercy reviving me, skeleton becoming living man by Spirit! In Jesus Name Amen!

*ABUJA AND THE NEW ERA: AN ESCHATOLOGICAL VIEW OF THE GLOBAL ANGLICAN HEADQUARTERS* _By Postulant C. O. Oyadosu_ *INTRODUCTION: NOT JUST GEOGRAPHY, BUT PROPHECY* To the glory of God, the announcement on *29 August 2026 in Recife, Brazil*, that the headquarters of the *Global Anglican Communion* will be established in *Abuja, Nigeria*, is more than an administrative decision. It is a prophetic marker. While some individuals in their opinion rightly calls for wisdom, humility, and global representation, we must also read this moment through the lens of *Scripture, history, and eschatology*. God is not surprised by geography. He ordains seasons. What we are witnessing is not Africa “taking over” Anglicanism. It is the *return of Christianity to its ancient African roots* and the beginning of an *End-Time Revival that will be led from the Global South*. *1. CHRISTIANITY IN AFRICA PREDATES EUROPEAN MISSIONS* The argument that Anglicanism must remain tied to Canterbury because “that is where it began” overlooks a deeper biblical and historical truth: *Africa was Christian before Europe was*. 1. *Ethiopia*: The Ethiopian eunuch in *Acts 8:26-39* took the Gospel to Africa in the 1st century. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church traces its roots to the 4th century, with the _Garima Gospels_ and a canon of 81 books preserved for 1600 years. 2. *North Africa*: Alexandria, Carthage, and Hippo produced giants like Athanasius, Origen, Tertullian, and Augustine. The Nicene Creed was hammered out in North Africa. 3. *Christianity is not a Western export*. It is an Eastern and African faith that later flourished in Europe. Therefore, to locate the Global Anglican headquarters in *Abuja* is not innovation. It is *restoration*. It is God bringing the Communion back to a continent where the faith was planted by the Apostles themselves. As *Colossians 3:16* declares for this last Sunday of August: _“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”_ That Word first dwelt richly in African soil. *2. AN ESCHATOLOGICAL READING: THE SHIFT TO THE GLOBAL SOUTH* Jesus said in *Matthew 24:14*: _“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”_ Church historians like Philip Jenkins in _The Next Christendom_ have documented what the Spirit is doing: *The numerical and spiritual centre of Christianity has moved to Africa, Asia, and Latin America.* The decision to place the headquarters in *Abuja* fits this eschatological pattern: 1. *Numerical strength*: Over 60% of active Anglicans today are in Africa. Nigeria alone has more Anglicans than all of UK, US, Canada and Australia combined. 2. *Doctrinal clarity*: In a season where Western provinces are revising biblical teaching on marriage, life, and authority of Scripture, God is raising up a bastion of biblical orthodoxy in the South. 3. *Missionary sending*: For 500 years the West sent missionaries to Africa. In this season, Africa is sending missionaries back to Europe, America, and Asia. This is not nationalism. This is *fulfillment*. The last shall be first, and the first last. *Mark 10:31* *3. WHY ABUJA? WHY NOW? PROPHECY AND REVIVAL* Many prophetic voices across Africa for the last 30 years have spoken of an *“End-Time Revival that will start from Nigeria and spread to the nations.”* Nigeria’s Anglican Church has been at the forefront of: - Church planting movements - Prayer and fasting culture - Defense of Scripture under persecution - Youth and evangelistic fervour The *G26 gathering in Abuja, March 2026*, was not accidental. It was a divine alignment. Abuja, the centrally located capital of the most populous black nation, becomes a *new Upper Room* from where the Spirit will be poured out. Just as Jerusalem was the geographic center for the 1st century Church in *Acts 1:8*, *Abuja can be a 21st century center* for a global outpouring — not because Nigeria is superior, but because God chooses weak and unlikely places to shame the wise. *1 Corinthians 1:27* *4. ANSWERING THE CONCERNS: INFRASTRUCTURE, GLOBALITY, AND OWNERSHIP* Some highly respected Anglican Church fathers in God raised legitimate practical concerns. But eschatology teaches us that *God provides infrastructure for what He ordains*. 1. *On Infrastructure*: Joseph was sent to Egypt, Daniel to Babylon, and Paul to Rome. God never waits for perfect roads before He moves. As the headquarters grows, God will raise partners, technology, and diaspora Anglicans to build it. The early Church had no “international banking” either. 2. *On Global Representation*: Yes, leadership must reflect Africa + Asia + Europe + Americas + Pacific. But global representation does not require a Western postcode. With virtual platforms and international flights to Abuja increasing daily, *global access is a matter of will, not geography.* 3. *On “Looking African”*: The Gospel has always looked like the people who carry it. When it was in Rome it looked Roman. In Canterbury it looked English. In Antioch it looked Middle Eastern. *Let it now look African, and let the world come and see the glory of God in it.* The goal is not to erase culture, but to submit every culture to Christ. The headquarters in Abuja will not “own” the Communion. *Christ owns it.* But the location will be a sign that God is doing a new thing. *Isaiah 43:19* *5. ABUJA MUST BE MORE THAN AN OFFICE — IT MUST BE AN ALTAR* I agree fully with Venerable Dr Jesulola here. If Abuja is to host the headquarters, it must become: 1. *A Global Anglican Prayer Centre* - 24/7 worship like David’s tabernacle 2. *An International Theological Institute* - Raising the next generation of orthodox scholars 3. *A Missionary Training and Sending Base* - For Europe, Asia, and the Americas 4. *An Archives and Research Library* - To recover African, Ethiopian, and Global South contributions to Anglican theology This will silence critics and prove that this is not about pride, but about *mission*. *CONCLUSION: THE HEADQUARTERS MAY BE IN ABUJA, BUT THE VISION IS FOR THE WORLD AND FOR THE END* Beloved, we are not in a time for timidity. We are in a time for faith. The decision to place the Global Anglican Communion headquarters in Abuja is: 1. *Historical*: Returning to Africa’s ancient Christian roots in Ethiopia and North Africa 2. *Missional*: Placing leadership where the growth and sacrifice is greatest 3. *Eschatological*: A sign that God is shifting the centre of global Christianity for the final harvest We must reject both Western paternalism and African triumphalism. Instead we must embrace *divine orchestration*. *Canterbury will always be our mother.* *Abuja can now be our mission outpost for the nations.* As we close August and enter September, let us pray: _“Lord, let the Word of Christ dwell richly in Abuja. Let this be the start of the End-Time Revival through the Anglican Communion. Let Nigeria serve with humility, and let the whole world see Jesus.”_ The headquarters may be in Abuja. But the fire will reach the whole earth. *Amen. Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.* _“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else... Saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” – Isaiah 46:9-10_ Shalom!

**The pain the world feels today announces what's coming tomorrow** Matthew 24:6-9 Jesus, speaking about the signs of the end times, told His disciples: *"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars... for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows"* (Matthew 24:6-8). Birth pains. This isn't meaningless suffering — it's suffering that announces something coming, that tightens before bringing forth life. Sin on earth has risen up before God. Scripture speaks of cities whose outcry of wickedness reached the Lord (Genesis 18:20-21) — and it's no different today. Witchcraft, murder, idolatry, greed, sexual immorality: the world has drifted so far from the Creator that it now lives as if He didn't exist, taking for itself the glory that belongs to God alone. And Scripture is clear: *"my glory will I not give to another"* (Isaiah 42:8). God shares worship with no one — not with idols, and not with man himself, who thinks he owns his own life. When God allows pain, war, calamity, it isn't because He delights in human suffering. It's because, often, pain is what makes a hardened heart stop and look up. *"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise... but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"* (2 Peter 3:9). Even God's judgment carries a purpose of mercy: to bring back those who are lost. Matthew 24:9 continues the warning: *"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."* The world will get worse, persecution will increase, but that's no reason for despair — it's confirmation that the Word is true and that the time is being fulfilled. And it's worth remembering: every deliverance is preceded by great catastrophes. Before Israel left Egypt, the plagues came. Before the resurrection, came the cross. Before the morning, comes the darkest night. The pain the world is going through today isn't the end of the story — it's the sign that a great revival is coming. God always raises up something new after the storm, and what looks like ruin to human eyes may, in fact, be the ground where God is preparing the greatest harvest of souls ever seen. What God asks for isn't sacrifice, isn't religion, isn't appearance. It's return. It's recognizing that He owns all honor, all power, dominion, and majesty — and that life only makes sense when lived under His lordship. The world groans, suffering birth pains. The question is: will you keep being deaf to that cry, or will you turn back to God while there's still time? *Remember that the Word of God is a statute.*

Romans 8: "1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

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

❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2. Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order. Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him. Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment. You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied. That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about. Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith. Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested. Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else. While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation. Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering. Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection. Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient. That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?" Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ. First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24. If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29. As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them. Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.” The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God. Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4. It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9. Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world. The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him. We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.