Bible Friends Fellowship 'BFF'

29/04/2022

06/07/2021

Study Review Matthew Chapter 4 PART 4.
Face your own service and calling, keep doing what I instruct, keep praying when the need calls and after all well done, leave the rest to me"
From then, I learnt to stay focus on my course, just as Jesus did after hearing the news of John's arrest and subsequently his beheading. What a rude shock after praying and fasting...
The word of God already told us in Revelation that there would be many beheaded for the course of the Gospel and awaiting them is special rewards, if all our prayers to release them are always answered how would the scriptures be fulfilled❓(Rev. 20:4)
Most importantly everyone must just be truly ready for rapture or persecution.
*May God keep and give us sufficient grace. Amen*🙏🏾

We are co-labourers with the Creator.
We work in His vineyard, He tells us what to do and delightfully We both gets the tasks done solely by His grace and power. He delights in us and rewards us with joys unspeakable.

Isn't the MIGHTY good and loving.

Don't miss walking in His Steps. SHALOM

06/07/2021

Study Review Matthew Chapter 4 PART 3.
Jesus continued to preach and heal the sick and possessed. These acts made him popular amongst the Gentiles.
*Matt. 4:19-20* - "(19) And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (20) And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
*We are called not just followers but as fishers of men and builders of lives. When we follow the LORD fully and completely, the intentions of God become clear and vivid.*
*The Holy Spirit is our power bank, our enabler and our trigger.*
When connected to God through our Lord Jesus Christ and endued with the Holy Spirit inside of us we already and the endorsement of God. How I wish we all continually walk and work in the reality of this fact. How I wish we all put that reality to work daily, refreshed consistently in daily communion with the Father; enjoying sweet fellowship.
*Interaction*
Jesus after fasting and leaving the wilderness heard the news of the arrest of His cousin.
With the many global news of the persecution, *covert killings of believers* such as that of Leah Sharibu and others despite intensified prayers what best reaction and disposition should we maintain as followers of Jesus Christ?
If care is not taken, after praying so hard, believing so real and interceding so vehemently and lo at last Leah Sharibu was never returned, only for us to hear from unauthorized sources that she is dead one may begin to question the faith and worst still- God.🤔😰
Many occurrence on the persecution, murder and assassination of people in Christendom can be so devastating, demoralising leaving one to wonder if God ever heard...
Particularly, I have been left wondering on Leah's case and the Lord has this to say to me: " *What if I have decided she comes home through that means, what if her return leaves even much more unwarranted questions and worries...*
*Whatever I decide and however I wish I bring mine home. You could pray, that's fine. I decide.

06/07/2021

Study Review Matthew Chapter 4 PART 2.
In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had no defense against the devil. But because God had compassion on the human race, he sent his only son, born of a virgin to save man from eternal condemnation. Jesus knew that with just the scriptures, the devil could be defeated. As Christians we are to be equipped with the word of God to fight the devil. The Bible tells us that we *contend against 3 kinds of temptations which are the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life.*
Jesus went through these 3 temptations and he overcame with the Holy Spirit on his side. So as Christians, we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the fiery darts of the devil. We should use God words, prayer and faith as our weapon.
After Jesus overcame the devil he got news that John his cousin was arrested.
In chapter 3 vs 13 we learnt that Jesus went to Jordan river where John was to be baptized. This was outside Galilee where he resides. He didn't return as the immediately he left the river side, the spirit of God took him deep into the wilderness alone. I believe that during this time when he was fasting, the King of Judea had arrested John. By the time the angel had finished replenishing Jesus, he came out from the mountains and heard about John arrest. He returned to Galilee, he went to Nazareth, I guess to visit his family to tell them it was time to move out to start his ministry. Verse13 and 14 says he moved to Capernaum at the seaside of Galilee to live among the gentiles. He started his ministry by preaching the message of repentance to all who He encountered. It was at the seaside on a fateful day he went out to preach that he found 4 of his disciples whom he recruited as his followers (Peter, Andrew, James and John). These were successful fishermen, but they left their trade, family and followed Him. This shows us that as Christ followers, we should be ready to leave all and follow him.
Loveth thou me more?

06/07/2021

Study Review Matthew Chapter 4
Last study we learnt that Jesus baptism marked the beginning of his ministry. The coming together of the trinity symbolises God's endorsement and empowerment for Jesus ministry on earth. After this experience Jesus went on a 40 days no food fast. He definitely went to pray and spend time alone with God in the wilderness. Fasting and praying is a spiritual exercise Christians are encouraged to do regularly. Jesus showed us this example.
Matt 4:1 tells the Holy Spirit was now involved with Jesus ministry. He couldn't have started his work on earth without the presence of the Holy Spirit.
He was lead by the spirit to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Every child of God on earth will face temptations and trials of faith. Jesus went through his own temptation too. The Bible says that we will face diverse temptations on earth, but we should be of good cheers because we will always overcome. The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way, He definitely understands what we go through as his saints.
The devil was the one who came to tempt Him, seeing that Jesus "the human" was in his weak moments and was very hungry and tired. He, the devil comes to us when we are in our weak moments, because he knows that's when we are very vulnerable. The devil taught he was dealing with Adam and Eve, thinking that he could achieve what he did in the garden of Eden. I guess the devil forgot he was dealing with God's son, who had no sin in him. Or maybe the devil was trying his luck. He tried Jesus 3 times, but Jesus used the word of God against the devil.

Use the living word from the Almighty always, you are bound to win and get the victory.

01/07/2021

Book Study MATTHEW THREE Part 4
*Interaction*
The content of message from the Christian fold today is diluted which has resulted in gross misinterpretation, diversion and confusion.
*What should be the basic content of salvation message in the lost world today?*
The Gospel message primarily is
*Jesus loves you* *Jesus died for you* *Jesus saves*
Then
*REPENT* *BELIEVE* *ACCEPT JESUS AS YOUR LORD & SAVIOUR*

The present situation of gospel presentation is
*Believe to prosper* *Come to my Church*
*Loyalty to the pastor* *You'd have everything* *Take it by force*
We now see the saviour and repentance out of the picture but the pictures of church leaders so large & bold.
Message of prosperity without the lordship of Jesus over lives have made many callous and greedy promoting atrocities even amongst church members.
In some gatherings the message now is once saved ever save no fleeing off hell or serious pursuit of eternity with God in Heaven.
The words of many pastors and their un-biblical practices have taken root rather than the Scriptures in many gatherings.
John's message was simple:
1. *Repent* 2. The Kingdom of *Heaven* is at Hand
3. Flee coming wrath ( *Hell* ). 4. *Bear Fruits* worthy of Repentance.
These today are missing in most messages ad where they are repeatedly emphasized, people pick offence in many churches.
God help us as we progress in the faith journey.

01/07/2021

Book Study MATTHEW THREE Part 3
*God testified to the oneness and togetherness of purpose as factors for collective victories. Until you are united in purpose with others in your group, efforts may not be fruitful.*
John was all about his calling and ministry and Jesus did same depicting in choice and character.Many following the part are somewhat viewed as odd in this generation.
A lot of spiritual values are obviously displaced. The passion of most ministers is about reward in cash or kind promoting self rather than the Lord.
The lives of most missionaries are amazing, the depth of their sacrifices, especially in danger zones, many are neglected and denied of minimal comfort.
I keep wondering the reward, wouldn't it definitely defer?🤔
Comfort preaching with Jet and cars compared with miles of trekking to connect and evangelise in peril and dangers...
Let's bear in mind brethren in dare need of aids and particularly missionaries especially in the Northern Nigeria.
We can reach out in prayers, money, material and financial means. Look around for focused serving ministers in Kingdom matters and extend the hand of fellowship.
*Keep praying for persecuted brethren globally* Many die daily for the course of Christ
How ready are you?

01/07/2021

Book Study Matthew 3 Part 1
The forerunner of Christ was “John the Baptist.” He was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and a cousin of Jesus (Luke 1:5-80).
Jesus said of him that there was none “greater than John” (Matt. 11:11) John is presented as the prophet sent in the spirit of Elijah “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5). Isaiah in Isaiah 40, prophesied that there would be one proclaiming the arrival of Christ. His appearance and preaching style depict him in the life-style of Israel’s ancient prophet. Jesus said Elijah had already come in Matt 17. The Israelites had practiced a form of baptism for years. It was used as a symbol of being purified from sin by older customs. The washings in the Temple really were a form of baptism. He didn't preach in a temple or building. He was out in the wilderness, an open place close to water where people could gather and hear him speak and also be baptized. He preached in Jericho near the Jordan river. 2 kings 6 describes the area near the river as a woodland valley. The Jordan river is a notable place as many miracles and healing took place there and also where Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit came down as a dove. His message was simple; *Repent*

Today that message is needed as the first step toward becoming a Christian; Unless we are truly sorry and repentant for our sins, we may not turn from them and begin a new life with Jesus.
John’s dress of “camel’s hair, and a leather belt” was similar to Elijah’s clothing (2 King 1:8), and was the usual dress of prophets (Zech. 13:4). He ate Locusts and honey. * This style could be analyzed and interpreted as Ministerial Focus with Simplicity*
Locusts according to (Lev. 11:22), were eaten by the poorest of people. His dressing and food depicts is modest lifestyle, he was all about his father's business and not going about looking for worldly possessions and pleasures.

29/06/2021

Book Study MATTHEW THREE Part 2
As John preached, people were convicted of their sins and repented, people came from far and wide to hear him. He baptized those who accepted his message. But he couldn't baptised with the Holy Spirit, he said the coming messiah would. *The message was clear and direct*
The Pharisees and Sadducees were hung up in tradition, they thought they were the most righteous because they kept the law. They were trusting in their physical descent for salvation, rather than in God. But John called them vipers.
*Matt. 3:10* - "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Every child of God is expected to be fruitful and let the fruits be good, otherwise the LORD will hewn down every fruitless Christian. The LORD will not condone anyone whom His investment and efforts are not yielding any result. *The gospel message in our mouth through our lives should yield positive results*

John gave warning of the judgement day, of hell and heaven describing hell as a place where shafts of trees that don't bear fruit will be burned. Jesus lived in Galilee which was close to Jordan. He came to John for baptism but John refused knowing who Jesus was. John felt so humble by this. He knew Jesus was Messiah. John felt his need for the salvation Jesus had to offer. Christ was here identifying Himself with sinners. Jesus reminded John that he had to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Since baptism symbolises a new birth, Jesus had to lead us by example. After Jesus was immersed and came up from the water, the heavens opened up and a dove, which symbolises the spirit of God descended and God spoke. This represents the Trinity coming together. This event marked the beginning of Jesus ministry on earth. This was where Jesus was fully inaugurated by God to start his ministry. Before this Jesus was preparing himself.

24/06/2021

Review Study*Matthew Chapter Two. Part 3
From generation to generation God has always revealed himself to man whether a believer or non. We can see the example of the butler and the baker of King Pharaoh in Gen. 40, even in Gen. 41, King Pharaoh himself had a dream. Remember also Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. Joseph the husband of Maria had a dream. Cornelius had a divine visitation. Peter had a vision. Paul had visions severally.
God is still God and cannot change. Even now, concerning our present situation in Nigerian, many have received revelations or dreams. Personally, we as believers and carriers of his spirit, also are not left out. God visit us in dreams to confirm his word what he is about to do or to warn us of impending danger.
God speaks.
God still speaks via any and every media He chooses; our faith and obedience however must be based on His WORD which checks the media.
We must not be focused on dreams, signs & wonders but on His WORD.
Any on the media for divine communication could be humanly, demonically or unintentionally manipulated.
However, when God uses any media He confirms it in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

24/06/2021

Review Study*Matthew Chapter Two. Part 2

God always completes communication lines & links...
1. He spoke to the wise men.
2. He directed their path using the star
3. They were willing & excited over the given mission
4. They were ready & obedient in divine leadership and communication
5. They offered their treasures & gifts with readiness & delight
6. God makes things happen to fulfil His course, He directed Mary & Joseph into Bethlehem; later, He ordered them into Egypt for preservation.

*I believe the Bethlehem & the calling out of Egypt is significant of the time of the physical & spiritual Jews. The time of the Israeli Jews & that of the Gentiles which reveals God's all inclusive plan of salvation. Later, Joseph was instructed through dream to go to Nazareth in Galilee which qualifies Jesus as a Nazarene.

*The key theme in Matthew 2 is OBEDIENCE*

To every step in life God orders our course through obedience to His word.
Interaction
1. Does God still speaks through dreams, nature and symbols?
2. To what extent should these be accommodated or assimilated?
3. Are all dreams divine? How could one distinct divine instructions or dreams?

God still speak through dreams, nature and symbols
(2&3) Anything outside the word of God should be discarded.
The Bible is filter for all supernatural revelation.

God still speaks through dreams, nature and symbols. Forever his word is settled in heaven. Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matt.5:18. In Joel 2:28-29, God promised to pour his spirit on all flesh. Peter confirmed this in Acts 11:15-17. In Hebrews 1:1-2 "God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things .."

24/06/2021

Review Study*Matthew Chapter Two

This chapter gives an account of the visit of the wise men, King Herod's evil plot and God's saving power.
Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus is not as detailed as that of Luke however Matthew gives the important facts of the birth.
Luke 2 tells us that Jesus' parents left Nazareth in Galilee where they lived for census in their hometown Bethlehem where Jesus was also birth.

1. The wise men 'vs 1-15
The wise men also called Magi, who were from the East saw a big star and knew that a special child had been born. The wise men according to Bible scholars are believed to have been priestly themselves, meaning they had great knowledge about prophesies and the birth of a messiah in Judea/Israel, star readers and even knowledge of God, even though they weren't from Judea. It's said that the wise men were from Persia and Babylon. But God made them see the star and because they have been expecting the birth of the Messiah through prophesies in the Old Testament, they knew that indeed the Messiah had arrived. Immediately they followed the star and came to Bethlehem a town in Judea. But they had no knowledge of the kind of King that ruled over Jerusalem. Bethlehem was the hometown and birthplace of King David. Matt 1:11-12 tells us that after Jeconiah (Jehoiachin) ruled for 3months, Babylon captured the royal family of Jerusalem. Jeconiah was disobedient like his father and sin abound in Israel, that was why God placed a curse on his generation and allowed King.

*World over God speaks to the chosen and anointed using nature*

Unfortunately the media of supernatural communication has been profoundly corrupted, there are still sanctified chosen and anointed in the midst of the gross corruption who God uses. *God speaks to His listening children*