Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Apapa Parish

Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Apapa Parish We believe in the Word of God as the supreme rule of faith and life and proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God.

24/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH 2026
TOPIC: TEST EVERY SPIRIT
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 JOHN 4:1-6

KEY VERSE:
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test every spirit, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. - 1 John 4:1.

If in Apostle John's time, the problem of false teaching and false teachers were in existence, we can now imagine how troubling it is for the church today. The apostle's call for genuine believers to _*"test every spirit"*_ (v.1) remains very relevant today as it was then. If you must test every spirit, you must know what is the correct spirit yourself. These days, we observe disturbing increase in tolerance for error and unbiblical teachings. Christians are commanded to test all professed christian teachers, writers, preachers, prophets and any individual who lays claim to the Holy Spirit being behind his/her work. We must never assume that a ministry or spiritual experience is from God just because the person says so. We should not just accept a teaching or doctrine on the basis of success, miracles or apparent anointing (c/f Matt. 7:22; 2 Thess. 2:8-10).

The content of every teaching and the spirit behind it must be tested against sound biblical exegesis. Another way of testing the spirit is by looking at the livestyle of the person if it aligns with the word of God. To test is "to make a critical examination of something to determine genuineness..."

A critical part of the false teaching was that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh which was driven by the spirit of antichrist (v.2-3). They " taught that Jesus couldn't have been divine in the flesh. Especially, a divine being, by definition, couldn't carry the sins of all mankind in his body on the cross". This is the basic issue of the doctrine of incarnation that we celebrate at Christmas: Jesus Christ is God in the flesh -- throughout his human life, from the manger to the cross. In our own day, the discerning question may be different, to help us distinguish a modern-day heresy from true Christianity, but the principle is the same: Test the spirits!

Brethren, we have overcome evil in the world by the power of the indwelling spirit of God in our lives (v.4). Believers must continually depend on the Holy Spirit to overcome the spirit of error, sin, temptation and persecution. Whatever is contrary to Christ, is antichrist. Arm yourself with the truth, that he that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. How do you "test the spirits'"? One of the best ways is by listening and asking questions?

ACTION:
_Are you sure you are not a victim of deception? Focus on Christ._

PRAYER:
O Lord, help me pay the price of following Jesus, that I will never be a victim to deception, in Jesus name.

23/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23RD 2026
TOPIC: WHO IS A CHILD OF THE DEVIL?
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 JOHN 3:10-24

KEY VERSE:
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.- 1 John 3:10.

As we go through this youth week starting tomorrow, we need to consider things that differentiates between a child of God and a child the devil. Hence, if one is not a child of God, he must be a child of the devil. In today's passage, two major characteristics of a child of the devil include: lack of righteousness and lack of love for his brother (v.10). Note that we are talking of human beings with flesh and blood running through their veins. To practice righteousness is to have Christ in you, and allow him to live his life through you.

Believers must reject such teachings that alleges that you can be out of fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:3), continue to sin, do the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8), love the world (1 Jn. 2:15), do harm to others (v.14-18), and yet be a child of God who is saved and destined for heaven. You cannot habitually practice sin and claim to possess eternal life and be God's children; that is a lie from the pit of hell (1 Jn. 2:4). God cannot be mocked for whatsoever a man sows that he shall reap (Gal. 6:7). Apostle John is calling for practical Christian living where our righteousness in Christ also shows forth in demonstrating genuine concern for the spiritual and physical needs of other believers (v.16-17).

To demonstrate the seriousness of the issue of love for the brethren, John reminds us that _*"he that loveth not his brother abideth in death",*_and _*“is a murderer"*_(v.14-15 KJV). These are very strong words that should never be taken lightly by brethren. John provides a good example of what he describes as love for a brother (v.16-18). Are you truly demonstrating Christ's righteousness in you by loving _*"in deed and in truth"?*_ (v.18). Think about the various ways that you can demonstrate genuine love for the brethren wherever you find yourself.

ACTION:
_Is your lifestyle saying you are a child of God or a child of the devil? You can make amends now before it is too late._

PRAYER:
O Lord, help me to practice the kingdom righteousness. Deliver mne from a mix up life, in Jesus name.

20/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH 2026
TOPIC: DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 JOHN 2:15-23

KEY VERSE:
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. - 1 John 2:15.

Having dealt with the believers vertical and horizontal love relationship with God and man respectively, Apostle Paul turns our attention to a critical _"no go area"*_ of love. He declares _*“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Fatherfd] is not in them."*_This is a call to prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures. The world offers fleeting satisfaction, but true fulfillment is found in a relationship with God. By setting our hearts on things above, we align ourselves with His eternal purposes. The worldly systems are in enmity with God and worldliness threatens our fellowship with God. The «world" here is not just the global earth or humanity (c/f John 3:16), but rather it is the community of sinful humanity that is united in rebellion against God.

The allures of this rebellious worldly system is captured in three categories, _*"the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life"*_ (v.16). Whatever we can describe as the _*"things of the world"*_ will find a safe categorization within these three components. A good example is in advertising commercials that are often packaged to appeal to our sensuous nature leading to sin. The unbridled desire for wealth and fame have led many youths into money rituals, '419 schemes/'yahoo-yahoo boys, kidnapping, armed robbery, sexual perversions like LGBTQ+, etc. Are you sure you don't love the world when you can skip fellowship to watch a football match; when your eyes are glued 24 hours on social media; and yet when you spend three hours in a church service you get irritated?

_"Remember Lots wife"*_ (Lk. 17:32) who placed her affection upon the things of the world as her heart never left S***m (Gen. 19:17,26) and she turned into a pillar of salt. This paints a picture of one who has come to Christ, but his heart is in the world. Again, the Israelites perished the wilderness because they lusted after the things of the world (Num. 11:1-6). Though they left Egypt, Egypt never left them. Is that your experience? Repent.

The spirit of the antichrist is the spirit of this age and any professed believer who love the world and its sinful pleasures and distort the gospel and the message of the cross, place themselves under this rebellion of Satan against Christ and His righteousness (v.18-23)

ACTION:
_Can you honestly say you don't love the world? Correct yourself now._

PRAYER:
O Lord, deliver me from the love of the world. Teach me to love you more than anything in the world, in Jesus name.

19/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19TH 2026
TOPIC: DEALING WITH HATRED IN YOU
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 JOHN 2:7-14

KEY VERSE:
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. - 1 John 2:9

In today's passage, John reiterates the imperative of loving one another in Christ. He qualifies this kind of love as a "new commandment" in the sense that the Lord Jesus Christ had demonstrated it in the way He loved and forgave His accusers up to when He hung on the cross. John's call for us to love one another becomes more compelling and instructive when you consider that early in his life he was known as one of the _*"sons of thunder."*_ He once wanted to call down fire from heaven upon those who rejected Jesus (Luke 9:54). Hatred is the opposite of love and the scripture reminds us that both cannot co-exist together. Hence in v. 8-11, John insists that a believer cannot claim that he loves God when he/she demonstrates hatred towards another person. Comparing hatred to darkness and love to light shows us the serious implications of these two dispositions.

Remember that hatred can also be expressed by indifference; true love will demonstrate itself for one another. Are you living in hatred and yet claim to be a child of God? Look around you in the church, your residential area and your place of work or business, is there anyone that you hate even if for a reasonable cause? God's word says that we should rather love so that we will not be in danger of hell fire (c/f 1 John 3:15). We need to behave like our heavenly Father who loves the sinner but hates his sin. Jesus said: _"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you.."*_ Matt 5:44. That is God's standard and his demand on us.

Apostle John now admonishes different groups in the church - little children, fathers, young men - and reminding them that before God each group has a place of connection and level of spiritual maturity. Yet in this diversity of experience and growth in Christ, we ought to love one another and work together at our different levels to promote the kingdom of God. While the elderly and more experienced in faith _*“dream",*_ the young and agile youths would _*“see visions and prophesy"*_ as soon they fight spiritual battles to protect themselves and the church (v.12-14; Joel 2:28). Let all hands be on deck, devoid of every possibility of hatred, knowing the spiritual battles before the church is real.

ACTION:
_Is there anyone on earth you hate? Go and make peace today. Show the person love._

PRAYER:
O Lord, help me never to hate anyone in my life. Purge me of any form of hatred. Fill me with love for everyone, in Jesus name.

17/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

MONDAY, AUGUST 17TH 2026
TOPIC: THE AUTHENTIC MESSAGE
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 JOHN 1:5-10

KEY VERSE:
This is the message which we have heard from him and declare to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. -1 John 1:5

There is something that makes a mesage an authentic one which preachers and everyone of us must look out for. The faith we are proclaiming has Jesus Christ as the source. The authentic message is that one traceable to what Christ said: _*"This is the message we have heard from him"*_ V.5a). Who gave you the message you are preaching? Authentic message comes from what we heard Jesus say, and saw him do. That's why he sent his disciples who now say to you: _*"this is what we heard from him".*_

The phrase _*"God is light"*_ (v.5) is a profound statement about the nature of God. Light symbolizes purity, truth, and holiness. When John says, _*"in Him there is no darkness at all,"*_ he underscores God's perfection and the absence of any form of evil. This sets a high standard for believers, as walking in the light means striving to live in a manner that reflects God's purity. If you walk in darkness, no matter how you claim to belong to God, you are simply a liar. Living in God's light involves following Jesus and adhering to His teachings (c/f. Psalm 119:105; John 8:12). This passage is a reminder that God's light not only exposes our flaws but also offers a path to forgiveness and restoration. So, what decides where you belong is not what you say, but your life.

Another critical phrase is _*"if we confess our sins"* (v.9). Confession here is not merely an admission but an acknowledgment that leads to repentance and transfomation. John assures us that God is _*"faithful and just to forgive us our sins,"*_ emphasizing that forgiveness is rooted in God's charater and promises. The act of confessing our sins can be particularly relevant in an age where admitting faults is often seen as a weakness. Rev. Michael Johnson recalls _"...a story of a young man who struggled with addiction. He felt trapped in darkness until he began attending a local church and confessing his struggles to a supportive community. This act of stepping into the light brought him healing and a renewed sense of purpose."_

Our text, therefore, invites us to live transparently, embracing God's light and confessing our sins. Let us strive to walk in the light, being honest with ourselves and others, and trusting in God's faithful forgiveness as we navigate our daily lives.

ACTION:
_Think of your life as a journey, one where clarity and honesty light your way. Don't hide your struggles; face them head-on._

PRAYER:
O Lord, help me to focus my life on what I received from you. If there be any un-confessed sin in my life, Lord expose it, in Jesus name.

16/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH 2026
TOPIC: WHAT IS YOUR TESTIMONY?
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 JOHN 1:1-4

KEY VERSE:
The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. -1 John 1:2

John began by sharing a personal testimony of what he had experienced. John refers to what he _*"has heard,"*_ _*"seen with our eyes,"*_ and _*“touched with our hands,"*_ underscoring the concrete reality of Jesus' life and ministry. The physicality of Jesus is an important defense against early heresies like Gnosticism, which downplayed the physical reality of Jesus. For John, the encounter with Christ was not merely spiritual but fully embodied. Walking with Jesus demands having a personal experience with him in terms of salvation but also a continuous daily discipleship experience. Again, John's testimony of the Lord is at variance with the things we hear today: _"how God changed my situation"*_ and not _*"how God changed my life":*_ God gave me a job, a car, visa, built me a house, etc. The real testimony is how Jesus has transformed your life*

John moves from the physical experience of Christ to the revelation of divine truth (v.2). The *"life"* he refers to is not just biological existence, but the eternal life that Jesus offers. Just as physical birth is beyond our control, spiritual rebirth is entirely initiated by God's will and grace. This truth humbles us, reminding us that salvation is not based on heritage, effort, or personal merit, but solely on God's grace. Have you been saved? Are you assured of eternal life in Christ?

John's declaration of what he has personally witnessed is not an end in itself, but a means to an end - the invitation to fellowship (v.3). The Greek word used for fellowship is *"koinonia,"* which denotes a deep, communal relationship that goes beyond surface-level interaction. Authentic fellowship with God leads to genuine fellowship with the Christian community. How vibrant is your fellowship with God and the brethren?

In verse 4, John wrote: _*"These things we write to you that your joy may be full"*_. Joy is a hallmark of the Christian life, and it is not dependent on circumstances but is found in the assurance of our relationship with Christ. This joy is not merely emotional happiness, but a profound, spiritual joy rooted in the reality of fellowship with God. This joy, found in fellowship with God and one another, is the natural outgrowth of the life that Jesus offers.

ACTION:
What is your own testimony? Check your life again. Is your life announcing Christ to the world?

PRAYER:
Lord, I desire to experience you afresh, every day in your school of discipleship. Sing this chorus: "I have joy like a river, joy like a river, joy like a river in my soul.."

15/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH 2026
TOPIC: REMEMBERING GOD'S WORD
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 PETER 1:12-18

KEY VERSE:
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. -2 Peter 1:12

In today's text, the apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of remembering God's Word. He writes that it's his duty to remind believers of these things, even though they already know them. Why? Because remembering God's Word is crucial for our spiritual growth and stability. Reminders are very important in life especially because man can easily forget things due to distractions or pressure. Psychologists suggest that about 50% to 70% of our everyday memory failures involve forgetting our intentions. Thus reminders helps someone to think of something he may have forgotten. Not many of us today can tell graphic details of our childhood even from the age of reasoning. In business, reminders help to signal us or others about tasks yet to be accomplished.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Moses instructs the Israelites to diligently teach God's commands to their children, repeating them constantly. This repetition is key to ensuring that God's Word remains the forefront of our minds. Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians church, also declared that sending them reminders was not tedious for him but it was for their spiritual safety (Phil. 3:1). Knowledge (learning) is established through repetition of truth and facts. This is why believers must not take their quiet times, bible studies and worship services for granted because these are veritable opportunities for refreshing truth and re-establishing the basis of our faith. Are you fond of skipping fellowship and opportunities to learn more of the word of God? Repent and turn a new leaf from today.

Just like our bodies need regular exercise and healthy food, our spirits need consistent nourishment from God's Word. Establishing a routine of Bible study and meditation helps us remember God's promises, commands, and love. Repetition is not the enemy of learning but the gateway to being a Master of a subject, vocation and even the word of God. The more you study, read and hear, the more you know and call to remembrance. Faith does not grow from a single encounter. _*"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."*_ (Romans 10:17KJV), In other words, the hearing is multiple times.

By incorporating repetition into our study habits, be encouraged to revisit familiar passages, reciting Scripture from memory, and reflecting on its application. We reinforce our understanding and retention of God's Word by sharing insights with fellow believers.

ACTION:
_Nurture your spiritual growth by setting aside time to read and meditate on Scripture, repeating key verses to commit them to memory._

PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me prioritize Your Word in my life. Give me discipline and consistency in my Bible study habits.

13/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13TH, 2026
TOPIC: 3W's - WORD, WORK, AND WORTH
BIBLE PASSAGE: COLOSSIANS 3:16-17, 23-24

KEY VERSE:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, -Colossians 3:23

The Bible presents general principles that mandate spirit-led believers to determine the rightness or wrongness of actions not expressly mentioned in the word of God. Thus, believers need to interrogate every action by reflecting on the following questions: can it be done to God's glory? (1 Cor. 10:31); can it be done in the name of the Lord Jesus", asking His blessings on the activity? (John 14:13); can it be done while sincerely giving thanks to God?; is it a Christ-like action? (1 John 2:16); will it weaken the sincere convictions of other Christians?; will it weaken my desire for intimate fellowship with Christ, God's Word and prayer? (Luke 8:14) and will it weaken or hinder my witness for Christ? (Matt. 5:13-16). Does your conduct in parties, traditional community meetings, festivals and other social events stand the test of godliness?

Every believer is called to live by a divine rhythm that integrates the Word, Work, and Worth. The Word is the foundation guiding, correcting, and shaping our lives. Work is our expression, what we do with the time, gifts, and opportunities God gives us. Worth is the value God places on us - our identity in Christ that sustains us in every season.

In today's bible passage, Paul ties these three together: letting the Word dwell in us richly, doing all things heartily, and remembering our reward is from the Lord. Think of Nehemiah - his knowledge of God's Word gave him vision, his work rebuilt a city, and his sense of worth in God enabled him to stand firm despite opposition. In contrast, many today are worn out because they separate the sacred from the secular. While distinct, these worlds can be connected. For example, the effort of "work" can determine the *"worth"* of something. The *"words"* used in a piece of writing can also affect its overall *"worth."*

A Christian businesswoman once shared how starting her day with Scripture transformed her meetings, infused her tasks with purpose, and reminded her of her worth beyond performance. When we align the Word, Work, and Worth, our lives become whole and impactful.

ACTION:
_Examine how balanced your life is between the Word you receive, the Work you do, and the Worth you believe in. Ask God to harmonize these areas._

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to live by Your Word, serve through my work, and walk in the worth You've given me in Christ. Let every part of my life glorify You. Amen.

12/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12TH 2026
TOPIC: SUCCESS EMPIRE
BIBLE PASSAGE: JOSHUA 1:1 -9

KEY VERSE:
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everyhing writen in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. - Joshua 1:8

God appoints Joshua as the leader of Israel after Moses' death and this transition highlights the importance of strong leadership in times of change. God repeatedly instructs Joshua to be strong and courageous (verses 6, 7, 9) which emphasizes the need for inner strength and confidence in fulfilling one's responsibilities. God promises that if Joshua follows His commands, he will be successful and prosperous (verse 8). This confirms the principle that obedience to God leads to favourable outcomes. God assures Joshua that He will be with him wherever he goes (verse 9). This assurance provides comfort and reinforces the idea of divine support in leadership.

True success is not accidental; it is the result of deliberate alignment with God's Word and ways. When God commissioned Joshua, He didn't give him a military strategy or economic advice; He gave him His Word. God defined _*“good success"*_ (v.8KJV) not as worldly achievement, but as living in obedience and courage. The requirements for success and prosperity include being strong, courageous and diligent; making God's word your authoritative guide and worldview; studying and meditating daily on the word of God and then determine to earnestly seek God's presence throughout your life. The scripture in Psalm 1:1-3 paints a similar picture: the one who delights in God's law is like a tree planted by rivers, prospering in every season; ever green.

In contemporary times, the word "empire" may conjure images of wealth and expansion, but in God's Kingdom, a _*"Success Empire"*_ is built on righteousness, wisdom, and service. A Christianentrepreneur once shared how refusing bribes, paying fair wages, and starting each business day in prayer helped her company flourish ethically and financially. God's blueprint for success is not limited to the pulpit, it's for the marketplace, the cqlassroom, the government office, and every domain of life. When you build on the Rock, your empire endures.

Meditate on the lyrics of this hymn: I've found the secret of success; Tis holding, 'tis holding on; The way to every blessedness; Tis holding, ʻtis holding on; Our warfare may be hard and fierce; Oft Satan's arrows wound and pierce; But still we get more smiles than tears; By holding on, by holding on.

ACTION:
_Evaluate the foundation of your definition of success. Commit to building your dad's "empire" on God's Word and principles. Take a bold step today that aligns your goals with His purpose._

PRAYER:
Lord, teach me to pursue the kind of success that honours You. Help me to build wisely and live faithfully in every area of my calling. Amen.

10/08/2026

Welcome to the Family Altar Daily Devotional Guide of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

MONDAY, AUGUST 10TH 2026
TOPIC: 0CCUPY TILL I COME
BIBLE PASSAGE: LUKE 19:11-26

KEY VERSE:
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13 KJV

Jesus shared the parable of the minas to teach a vital truth about stewardship and accountability. Before leaving, the nobleman entrusted his servants with resources and gave one instruction: _*"Occupy till I come"*_ in other words, manage what you've been given until I return. This wasn't a call to maintain the status quo, but to engage, invest, and multiply what was entrusted. Each servant is expected to invest the money and generate a return. Each servant receives the same amount but is expected to act according to their abilities and circumstances. The emphasis is on using resources wisely and productively. The servants who invest their minas are rewarded, while the one who hides his minas out of fear is reprimanded. The nobleman returns to assess the servants' performance, highlighting the importance of being accountable for one's actions and
decisions. The parable illustrates that those who are faithful with little will be entrusted with more, while those who do nothing with their resources face loss.

In Scripture, faithful stewardship is consistently rewarded. Joseph was elevated in Egypt because he managed Potiphar's house and the prison with excellence (Gen. 39:5). Likewise, Daniel rose in Babylon because of his excellent spirit: "Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm" (Dan 6:3). In addition to this fact, Daniel was so exceptional that he served under the reigns of five kings namely Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus

In modern times, think of the employee who treats his job as a platform to serve and glorify God, not just earn a living. Whether its our time, talents, money, or influence, God expects us to manage them well, not passively, but actively and fruitfully. We are not owners but we are stewards of God's resources (1 Cor. 4:2). The Master is returning, and He will ask what we did with the gifts, talents, skills and knowledge that we were given. You are not better than the servant who refused to use his minas if you have a good voice to sing and you waste it sitting in the congregation instead of joining the choir or gospel band.

ACTION:
_Take stock of what God has placed in your hands, your spiritual and physical gifts, time, and opportunities. Begin to use them purposefully for His glory._

PRAYER:
_Lord, help me to be a wise and faithful steward. Teach me to invest my life, talents,
and time in ways that honour You until You return in Jesus name. Amen.

Address

17/19 Arowoiyabuna Street, Olodi Apapa
Lagos
23401

Telephone

+2349030963491

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Apapa Parish posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Apapa Parish:

Shortcuts

Share

Category