Our Blog
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (IV)
We thank God who has not left us in a spiritual famine. He has chosen to lighten our path by his word. We welcome you brethren as you read through today’s review. Please go through the previous reviews in this series for proper understanding of the topic.
Link to Previous Reviews:
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (III)
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (II)
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (I)
Text: Deuteronomy 28: 1- 4, Genesis 18:1, Matthew 11: 25, Matthew 16: 6-12, Matthew 28:19, John 1: 26-27, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, Acts 2:1-41, Acts 19:1, Genesis 1:26-27, 1 John 5:7, John 6:27, John 6:46, John 8:41, John 1:1, Luke 3:1-2, John 4:24, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Ephesians 4:4.
Today, we continue our series, “The mystery of the three visitors of Abraham”. We treated a subtopic: Why the word of God is mysteries. The word of God (Bible) goes beyond the translated compilation from Hebrews or Greek language. The word of God is sacred and inspired from God. Hence, to get the mind of God from every written word, it requires the Holy Spirit. Just like we were able to establish in one of our previous reviews that, understanding the mind of God goes beyond comparing scriptures, rather, it takes the revelation of God, we were also able to establish by the scriptures, why the word of God is mysteries. And that it requires God’s revelation to understand the scriptures. Below are the Bible verses cited in today’s sermon to depict the fact that the word of God is mysteries, and it requires God’s revelation to understand His mind.
1. Matthew 16 : 6
The above scripture gives an explanation of what Jesus meant by using the term “leaven”, referring to the Pharisees’ doctrine. The disciples of Jesus Christ didn’t understand what he meant, until God revealed it to them.
2. Matthew 28 : 19
The above verse has been misunderstood by denominations, because they have chosen to approach God’s word by merely reading the letters and have failed to see the singular word “name” pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The testimony of the apostles and prophets of God in the Bible is that God is one and that there is no other God asides Him. From the first chapter of the Bible to the last, God is proven to be one. There are no three, two or three in one God. Abraham in his day was visited by three men. But he recognised one of them as God. The Bible introduced the visitation of these three men by saying, “And the Lord appeared unto Abram in the plains of Mamre…” (Gen. 18:2). God himself appeared to Abraham, and Abraham also recognised him as God. The remaining two were the Messengers (angels) of God (Gen. 19:1).
3. Genesis 1 : 26
One major Bible verse that denominations often use to backup their doctrine of Trinity is Genesis 1:26, where God said, “Let us make man in our own image”. The following verse however, gives the interpretation. In verse 27, the Bible says, “So God created man in his own image”. God created man in his image. The ‘us‘ he was referring to in verse 26 are the angels who were with him, and it take God’s revelation for the denomination to see the mind of God in the creation of man.
4. 1 John 5:7
One other prominent scripture that has been misinterpreted and manipulated by denominations to suit their creed is 1 John 5:7. It says, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one”.
These three are referring to only one God. Let us take the three one after the other.
1. The Father: The father is God himself, the creator of the whole universe. The Bible says in John chapter 8:41 that “Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they unto him, we be not born of fornication; we have one father, even God.” We have only one heavenly father just like a man cannot have two earthly fathers.
2. The Word: You are identified by your word. God is also identified by His word. When Adam heard the voice of God in the garden, it was God that spoke to him. You can’t separate God from His word. When you are preaching the word of God, you are also preaching God. John 1: 1 says, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God” Jesus Christ is however, that Word that was with God. Jesus Christ was in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. He knew that Adam would sin. And that man would need remission of sin. That word became flesh when he descended from heaven to dwell in Jesus Christ.
3. The Holy Ghost/Spirit: God is a Spirit. There are several verses in the Bible that prove that God himself is a Spirit and that you can’t see him. He is not different from his Spirit just like you are not different from your spirit. Your spirit does not make you two different persons. The Spirit of God is also not a different person. (2 Corin. 3:17). Brethren, based on the Bible verses listed above, it is obvious that there is only one God and there will be no other God after him. He is our Father, He is his Word and He is the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, You need the Spirit of God to give you understanding of his word, not head knowledge. Theological school can’t. Therefore, brethren, let us always approach God’s word in prayer. It is a simple way to getting the revelation of the word of God.
God bless you all.
Shalom, saints.
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (III)
Shalom to you brethren and welcome to our latest sermon review. Today we continue our subject “The Mystery of The Three Visitors of Abraham”. We will be expounding on a subtopic “The Mystery Of Predestination”. If you are curious to understand the mystery of predestination, this sermon review will help unveil that cloud. Please go through the previous reviews in this series to be up-to-date on the topic.
Link to Previous Reviews:
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (II)
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (I)
TEXT: Genesis 13:1, Genesis 12:1, Isaiah 51:1-2, Acts 13:21, Romans 8:28, Galatians 1:15-16, Romans 9:11, revelation 16:8, Isaiah 40:6, Daniel 12:10
Predestination is to be selected for a particular assignment before the foundation of the world(Gal. 1:15). Predestination often leads to separation. What you are separated from most times, may be a hindrance to your journey. Sometimes, before God can make use of you, he has to first separate you from things, people or places that may stand as forms of hindrances to you. That is why God caused the strife between Abram and Lot. Lot was an obstacle to Abram’s focus on the Promise Land. God can also cause a disagreement between you and your obstacles (Gen 13:8).
You must also deliberately keep your predestination. How do you keep your predestination? It is by striving to be what God wants you to be. Don’t take your salvation with levity. Forsake things that may hinder you from serving God diligently. A perfect example of someone who forsook worldly treasures is Abram. He chose Canaan land over plain lands because of eternal life. But Lot chose plain lands and built his tent towards Sodom. Don’t allow anything to take you away from God. But take away anything that can take you away from God.
God delights in separating those who must be used by him. He separated Lot from Abram, Cain from Abel, Esau from Jacob, etc because God wanted to use them. God had deposited certain treasures in them which he wanted to use in future. In like manner, God has deposited certain treasures in you before the foundation of the world and would love to use you at anytime. It is your duty to keep this treasures and also make yourself ready for God’s use. Do not compare yourself with others. When you begin to compare yourself with those that God didn’t deposit treasure in, you are playing with God’s talent and He can collect it from you.
Therefore, separate yourselves from the world and be distinguished for Christ. Also, protect your predestination, it is as important as protecting your life.
Peace be unto you, brethren.
The Mystery of The Three Visitors of Abraham (II)
We thank God for His Word which is ever true. We welcome you brethren as you read through today’s review. Please go through the first review in this series for proper understanding of the topic.
Link to Previous Review:
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (I)
Text: Luke 17 : 26, 1 John 2:18, 2 Peter 3 : 2-7, Genesis 1: 6, Hebrews 11 : 7
We started a teaching on The mystery of the three visitors of Abraham last Sunday. Today, we will be doing a review on the part two of this teaching which is centered on doubt.
We were able to establish in our last review the relationship between the days of Noah and this present age. And also, the days of Lot in comparison with our present age (Luke 17:26). What brought about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the people in the days of Noah was doubt. The people doubted the messengers God sent to them. They mocked Noah while he built the ark. The sons-in-law of Lot also mocked him when he told them to leave Sodom because of the destruction that was to come upon it. It is the same in our day. Doubt has filled the heart of so many people. Some are even beginning to doubt whether there is hell. As there was doubt in the days of Noah, so also there is doubt in this present age, even among believers.
Disadvantages of doubting:
1. A doubter can lose his position in God’s presence
2. A doubter can never be entrusted with the work of the kingdom
3. A doubter can throw himself to hell by doubting God
4. A doubter cannot receive from God.
Believers should understand that faith takes dying to this world and living for God. Keep believing in God. Because, God cannot put faith to shame.
You need more than hearing and recognizing the word of God to walk with God. You also need to start acting on the word of God. You should not replicate what happened in the days of Noah and Lot, where they heard and mocked the word of God. Hold the Fort and remain unmovable. Keep trusting in the Lord and in His promises.
God bless you, brethren.
The Mystery of the Three Visitors of Abraham (I)
The sermon started with a background on why we should pray for God’s revelation each time we pick up the Bible to study. This is because, understanding the Bible goes beyond comparing verses with verses. You need revelation to understand the mind of God. Lack of revelation will make you miss the actual way God deals with his chosen bride. You may practise religion and still not be in God’s chosen way. Denomination has failed to see the right way, because they have chosen to ignore the Prophet (William Marrion Branham) sent by God to this last age(Laodicean age). God has revealed mysteries to him. God also used him to point every man back to the faith of the apostles who wrote the New Testament.
Three Angels Visited Abraham
The three men that visited Abraham were not like earthly men. But they appeared in a theophany body (heavenly body). It took the revelation of the Holy Spirit for Abraham to recognise who they were. When Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw three men, he said, “My Lord…” He was able to distinguish God from the remaining two angels. He had the revelation of who God was. Now, what if they visited you today? Would you be patient enough to distinguish God from the angels? Would you not call them Gods or three Gods? Do not forget that God and angels can appear in any form. That is why you can see an old man in your dream and recognise him as God. Yes! You may even see an angel appear to you in form of a man. You need revelation to know the mind of God. And if you get closer to God, he will reveal Himself to you.
Abraham was right when he called one of the men God. God proved him right when he stayed back to discuss with Abraham concerning his plan for Sodom and Gomorrah. God said, “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” (Gen. 18:16).
In like manner, Abraham was able to recognise Melchizedek, king of Salem as the high priest of God. He distinguished him from the remaining four Kings. He also gave the tithe of all the spoil he gathered from the battle to Melchizedek. (Gen. 14: 17 – 20
Those who were visited by God and two angels are divided into three groups:
1. Abraham’s group:
Abraham’s group are the separated group. They were not in Sodom neither were they Sodomites. God revealed his plan only to Abraham and his group. In this age also, God is revealing His mind to His bride, the seed of Abraham. We are the representatives of Abraham in this age.
2. Lot’s group:
Lot was not a Sodomite. He was an Hebrew, a nephew to Abraham. When the two angels visited Lot, he referred to them as “lords” not “Lords”. It is the same meaning as the lord Sarah called her husband. It means “master”. He entertained them like Abraham did. Despite the fact that they came as simple men, he still respected them. You don’t know when God will visit you. So, prepare everyday as though you were expecting the visitation of the Lord.
3. Sodom’s group:
The Sodomites looked down on the men that visited their land. They are a type of denominations. They had no respect for the Messengers of God. Don’t be like them. Respect the Message and the Messenger brought to you in this age. It is the only means by which you can escape from the destruction that is to come upon this earth.
The same way God sent His prophet, Noah, to warn His people before the destruction of the world, so also, God has sent His Prophet, William Marrion Branham to turn the hearts of His children back to the faith of the apostolic fathers before He will come and smite the earth.
Therefore, brethren, while you live in this earth, ensure that you do not live your lives according to the pattern of this world. Please, be distinguished for Christ.
God bless you, brethren.
Don’t Be Distracted (II & III)
We started a sermon review on Sunday on why we shouldn’t be distracted as Christians. Today, we will be reviewing parts II and III of the sermon. if you have missed the first part, I will advise that you read through the first review to get a full charge of the sermon.
Distraction will not make you close your eyes. Rather, it will shift your attention from God to flesh and worldly treasures. Psalms 73:3-24 gave a record of one who almost slipped off the track because he was envious of the prosperity of the wicked. He was however restored when he subjected himself to the word of God. Whenever you feel distracted, go back to the word of God. It will restore you. Prayer and fasting alone will not restore you. To be restored when distracted, you need the truth!
In the Bible, we found out that those who were not distracted were at last lifted, promoted, and blessed. You should take examples from the Bible. They were written for your learning (Rom. 15:4).
Daniel, Joseph, and the three Hebrew men who did not succumb to any form of distraction got their reward. God cannot fail you when you stand for him. Nevertheless, Solomon was a victim of distraction. He judged and ruled the people of God wisely. But he was not careful enough and got distracted. As a result, his kingdom was divided. This is what distractions can cause.
Be willing to offer sacrifices to God from the abundance of what he has given unto you. Giving to God will yield a double fold of blessings. Take your example from Abraham who was willing to offer his beloved and only son, Isaac. He believed that God could provide another one for him. He was referred to as the father of faith and was also blessed. Thus, if you must receive the blessings of Abraham, you must also be willing to take the steps (of faith) which Abraham took. Likewise, the lad who offered his five loaves of bread to Jesus to feed 5000 people should also be your example. He was definitely recompensed for his action.
Finally, brethren, you should be more concerned about your eternal weight of glory than the temporary afflictions that come before you. These afflictions are but for a moment. So, as long as you are trying your best possible to stay fit in this pandemic, please endeavor to stay fit spiritually. Stay fixed on God and avoid every form of distraction.
Shalom, saints of God.
Don’t Be Distracted
Hello, and welcome to our weekly sermon review.
This week, the Pastor spoke extensively on the topic “DON’T BE DISTRACTED”.
The sermon was initialized by reading from Hebrews 2 : 1- 3, reminding us of the reason we ought to take serious the things (word of God) which we have heard and will still hear, making sure we do not allow them slip away from our hands by our carelessness and nonchalant attitudes towards its sacred admonitions. Most times, we lose focus walking this narrow path with God because of DISTRACTIONS.
Text: (Hebrews 2: 1-4, Matthew 24: 3-8,10, Revelation 20:12, Exodus 32:1, Daniel 1:3-8, Genesis 1:30, Genesis 39:6-9, Luke 17:32, Genesis 19:12-26, 1 Peter 2:6)
Distraction simply means having one’s attention diverted from a focus. Diversions from our heavenly focus as believers are accompanied by happenings that appear to us as worthwhile. They are most times needs, wants, desires, that we most times have genuine reasons why we should not be deprived of them, and this has affected our walking with God. Believers should rise up and tighten their girdle, making sure they stand against distractions that will hinder them from following God diligently.
Looking at the age (Laodiceans age) we are in, there are enough distractions to battle with, most especially the way people dress, the terrible events we hear about and even the current pandemic. They are enough to make us lose our focus in God. Nevertheless, we should not allow that affect what we stand for as Christians, we need to personally take our salvation serious, because we will stand before the Lord individually to be judged, knowing full well that the purpose of the gospel is to remove the totality of this world system from our hearts. Hence, we need to be careful of the type of sermon we listen to. When what we hear is not the gospel, we could get distracted.
Things that cause distraction:
1. Prosperity, money or blessing: Having money or the riches of this world when we do not have the Holy Spirit would mean that we have gotten what will kill us. God has restrained his hands of blessing from many of us today because financial buoyancy has led many out of Christ.
2. Situations we do not expect or unbearable conditions: People who have delay in marriages or delay in childbearing may lose focus in God because of impatience. Nevertheless, every believer should know that there is no situation that comes to us that is more than what we can bear, a little endurance may be all that is needed. The children of Israel (Exodus 32:1) are one of the biblical examples we can learn from as regards impatience. They gave in to distraction even after experiencing the hand of God in their lives, and lost their focus because there was no patience in their waiting time. We should not allow the situation of the world to draw our attention away from God. It should not be easy for us to forget the goodness of God in our lives because of little challenges. We should rather see the challenges as blessings to us
3. Joblessness: This may lead one out of Christ. However, if you must follow Christ, you must be ready to bear the cost regardless of the situation that comes your way, also with the belief that the journey of Christianity cannot always be rosy. Do not because of joblessness go into crime or get distracted. Keep pressing on, don’t be lazy, whatever you find your hand doing, do well.
Biblical Examples of Those Who withstood Distractions
Several times, God tests his children in isolation.
1. Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39: 6)
Joseph was tested in isolation but did not get distracted. Despite being lured by Potiphar’s wife, and could have enjoyed the pleasure of sin without being caught, he was obligated to not sin against God and focused on obeying his commandments.
2. Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1: 1 – 5)
Daniel was also tested with the food of the king in Babylon but purposed in his heart to not defile himself. However, Lot’s wife got distracted by the situation of Sodom and by the destruction brought upon her. She became a pillar of salt as a result of this. Therefore, let us take our examples from Daniel and Joseph who were not distracted whatsoever, while we also learn our lesson from Lot’s wife.
In conclusion, we understand that there is a lockdown, but the Holy Spirit is not locked down. He is always available to correct and comfort us. Let us therefore remain steadfast in the spirit and shun distractions. This is evidence that we love the Lord. God bless us all.
Shalom saints. You can listen to the message using the links below
Video: Dont be Distracted Video file
Mp3: Dont Be Distracted Audio