Olarewaju Olalekan

God's blessings in our lives serve as powerful testimonies, drawing others to faith in Jesus Christ. However, these testimonies often face opposition from both worldly and spiritual forces. We are going to be exploring the importance of testimonies and the challenges believers may encounter in maintaining them. The Impact of Visible Blessings When God blesses His people, it can have a profound effect on those around them. The scripture you provided illustrates this clearly: "Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus." (John 12:11, KJV) This verse shows how Lazarus' miraculous resurrection led many to believe in Jesus. Our own testimonies of God's goodness can similarly lead others to faith. Opposition from the World Just as the chief priests sought to eliminate Lazarus to prevent others from believing in Jesus, the world may attempt to discredit or destroy the testimonies of believers: "But the chief priests consulted th...

In John 8:31, Jesus speaks to those who believed in Him, saying, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."  And this reveals to us a powerful truth about the nature of true discipleship - it is not merely a matter of initial belief, but of continued obedience and faithfulness to Christ's teachings. Belief: The Necessary Foundation Belief in Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the foundation of discipleship. As the Scriptures tell us in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This initial act of faith is crucial, for "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). However, while belief is necessary to enter into a relationship with Jesus, it is not sufficient on its own to constitute true discipleship. ...

Within the weave of Christian faith, one thread stands out with vibrant clarity: love. As Jesus declared, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35, KJV). This statement deeply conveys the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The Manifestation of Discipleship While our personal relationship with Jesus is cultivated through belief and obedience, our public testimony as His disciples is demonstrated through love. This love is not merely a feeling or an abstract concept, but a tangible, observable reality that flows generously and abundantly from the hearts of true disciples.  The Apostle John, often called the "Apostle of Love," reinforces this truth: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God" (1 John 4:7, KJV). This verse sheds light on the intrinsic connection between love and our relationship with God. The Divine ...

  In the depths of your sins and transgressions, a living radiant Light pierces the darkness, illuminating the path forward. The Lord, in His infinite mercy, extends His hand to all who seek Him earnestly. As the Book of Deuteronomy reminds us: "But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29, KJV) This powerful promise assures you that no matter how far you have strayed, God is willing and ready to embrace you. Your current state, no matter how dire, cannot deter the Almighty from reaching out to save you. The prophet Isaiah echoes this sentiment: "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, KJV) Many believe they must firs...

In the realm of the spirit, our mortal senses are transcended, and we encounter the divine in ways that defy earthly explanation. The Apostle John's profound experience, as recorded in Revelation, captures this mystical paradox: "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me" (Revelation 1:12). This extraordinary statement—seeing a voice—illustrates the inadequacy of human language to fully convey spiritual realities. Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's Word, bridges the gap between the visible and the invisible. As John declares, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). In Christ, we find the voice of God made tangible, His message incarnate. The limitations of human expression in describing spiritual phenomena are further emphasized in Paul's writings. He recounts an experience "whether in the body, or out of the body, I...

King Solomon, upon ascending to the throne of Israel, demonstrated profound humility before God. Even after being successfully enthroned, he didn’t assume that he no longer needed divine guidance. Instead, it was at that moment of power that he confessed his own limitations. His words, "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in" (1 Kings 3:7), reflect not only a teachable spirit but also a complete dependence on God's wisdom. This attitude of humility is crucial for anyone seeking God's wisdom and favor. Solomon recognized his limitations, understanding that true insight comes from the Lord. As Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Humility before God means recognizing our finite nature and God's infinite wisdom. It involves approaching Him with reverence and awe, much like Isaiah did when he exclaim...

"My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." (Psalms 63:8, KJV) This powerful verse from Psalms embodies a great spiritual paradox: the earnest pursuit of God by the believer, while simultaneously being supported and upheld by the very God they seek. It's a beautiful picture of the interplay between human devotion and divine grace in the spiritual journey. The pursuit of God is a central theme in Christian spirituality. Believers are called to seek God with all their heart, as emphasized in Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV): "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." This pursuit is not passive but active and intense, as implied by the phrase "followeth hard after thee" in Psalms 63:8. Yet, in this pursuit, we find a remarkable truth: God is not a distant Person waiting to be found, but an active participant in our spiritual journey. The psalmist acknowledges this by stating, "thy right hand up...

Many Christians face a dichotomy between their faith and the secular world around them. However, rather than withdrawing from society, there is a powerful alternative: bringing the world to God. This approach aligns with Jesus' teachings and the early church's mission. The Bible encourages believers to be "in the world, but not of the world" (John 17:14-16). This doesn't mean isolation, but rather engagement with purpose. As Jesus prayed for his disciples, he said: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:15, KJV) So how can Christians bring the world to God? Through example : "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. " (Matthew 5:16, KJV) Through love : "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35, KJV) Through service : ...

  As followers of Christ, we bear a sacred responsibility to lead others to the Savior. This calling is not merely a suggestion, but a divine mandate, as evidenced in the scriptures. In John 1:42, we read, "And he brought him to Jesus." This simple yet mighty statement encapsulates our primary mission as Christians. Our duty is not to recruit members for a particular denomination, religious organization, or social group. Rather, we are called to introduce people directly to Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this focus in 1 Corinthians 2:2, declaring, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." This mission reflects Christ's own words in the Great Commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). Our role is to be ambassadors for Christ, as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then we are amb...

  "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak" (2 Corinthians 4:13). These sweet words from the Apostle Paul unveil a deeper truth about the nature and power of words when uttered in faith. Words, in their basic form, serve as tools for communication. They bridge gaps between minds, allowing thoughts and ideas to be shared. However, when infused with the Spirit of God, words transcend mere communication and enter the realm of creation. In the beginning, we witness the creative power of God's words: "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). God's speech, animated by His Spirit, brought forth existence from non-existence. This demonstrates that words, when empowered by the divine Spirit, possess the ability to manifest reality. The same creative potential is available to believers who speak by the same Spirit. As Jesus declared, ...

  In his epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul outlines a great directive for young women: "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully" (1 Timothy 5:14). This verse captures a divine blueprint for young women, emphasizing three key responsibilities that not only fulfill God's plan but also serve as a powerful defense against the adversary. Marriage: The first call is to marry. This aligns with God's original design: "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Genesis 2:18). Marriage provides companionship, support, and a framework for spiritual growth. As Proverbs 31:10 states, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Bearing Children: The second responsibility is to bear children. This fulfills God's command to "Be fruitful, and multiply " (Genesis 1:...

  The journey to true understanding often leads us through valleys of confusion and doubt. As the psalmist confessed, "Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I" (Psalm 73:17). This profound statement reveals a critical truth: certain depths of wisdom remain hidden until we enter into God's presence. In the holy atmosphere of God's dwelling, our minds are illuminated. The apostle Paul affirms this, stating, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6). It is in this sacred space that we gain clarity and insight. The sanctuary of God provides a unique vantage point, allowing us to see circumstances from His perspective. As Isaiah proclaimed, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher...

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, reveals a profound truth about God's blessings in Christ. These blessings, bestowed upon believers, are not mere favors but divine provisions with a specific purpose. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). This verse establishes that all spiritual blessings come from God through Christ. These blessings are not earthly, but heavenly in nature, indicating their supreme value and power. The ultimate goal of these blessings is our sanctification. As Paul continues, "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love" (Ephesians 1:4). God's plan for our holiness predates creation itself, highlighting its importance in His divine scheme. These blessings work within us to produce holiness, a state of being set apart for ...

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). This profound verse encapsulates the multifaceted impact of Scripture on the believer's life. The Word of God is a wellspring of patience. As we immerse ourselves in its teachings, we find that the Scriptures produce, release, and build patience within us. The Apostle James affirms this, stating, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3). Through consistent engagement with Scripture, we cultivate this essential fruit of the Spirit. Moreover, the Bible provides unparalleled comfort through its promises and revelations. As the Psalmist declares, "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me" (Psalm 119:50). In times of trial and tribulation, believers find solace in...

   "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). This profound statement from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount encapsulates a fundamental spiritual truth: the condition of one's heart directly impacts their ability to perceive and experience the divine. A pure heart is like a cleansed lens, allowing one's spiritual vision to become sharp and clear. As the Psalmist declares, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:3-4). This purity of heart is essential for discerning the presence and works of the Holy God. The quest for heart purity is not merely an abstract concept but a practical pathway to divine encounter. It enables believers to "draw nigh to God," with the promise that He will "draw nigh to you" (James 4:8). This purification process opens up direct access to the Father, as Jesus himself taught: "I am the ...

The removal of Abiathar from the priesthood by King Solomon illustrates how prophecies can shape human decisions and actions to fulfill God's word. As 1 Kings 2:27 states: "So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord; that he might fulfil the word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh." This event fulfilled a prophecy given generations earlier against Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:31). Abiathar's decision to support Adonijah instead of God's chosen king, Solomon, led to his downfall, while Zadok, who supported Solomon, was put his room. This story demonstrates how God's foreknowledge and declared will can influence human choices, even when individuals are unaware of the larger divine plan. As Isaiah 55:11 affirms: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Given t...

In the Bible, there's a powerful lesson about the dangers of pride and self-exaltation in 1 Kings 1:5: "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him." This verse illustrates Adonijah, one of King David's sons, attempting to seize the throne through his own machinations. His actions serve as a stark reminder that self-exaltation often leads to a precipitous decline. The Bible consistently warns against the iniquity of coveting positions or blessings that God has not ordained for us. Adonijah's case exemplifies this principle, as he sought to claim a kingship that was not rightfully his. His actions stood in direct opposition to God's plan for Solomon to succeed David as king. Jesus Himself taught this vital lesson in Luke 14:11: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." This divine principle und...

The Apostle Peter, in his second epistle, presents a profound truth about the nature of corruption in the world and how it infiltrates our lives. He writes, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4, KJV). This passage reveals that corruption—a force of decay, decadence, and ultimately death—permeates the world around us. However, it is not merely an external threat; it seeks entry into our hearts and minds through the channel of lust.  The Bible often warns against the dangers of yielding to lustful desires. As James puts it, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:14-15, KJV). By resisting the pull of sensuality and refusing to give in to lustful impulses...

  In the sublime design of God's purpose for mankind, there lies a great truth often overlooked in our pursuit of blessings. The Apostle Peter unveils this mystery in 2 Peter 1:4, declaring, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." This verse reveals the ultimate purpose behind God's bountiful blessings: to transform us into His likeness. Far beyond material prosperity or temporal success, the Lord's design is to elevate us to partake in His very nature. Every promise, every act of divine favour, is a step on this sacred journey towards Godliness. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 8:29, stating, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son." This conformity to Christ's image is not a mere afterthought but the preordained destiny of every belie...

So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands . Psalm 78:72  This is a guidance for those who aspire to lead in God's Name.  The above quoted verse, reflecting on King David's reign, reveals two critical components of effective spiritual leadership: integrity of heart and skillfulness of hands. These twin pillars form the foundation of prosperity and success in God's work. Integrity of heart speaks to the inner character of a leader. It resounds the words of 1 Samuel 16:7, "for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." A leader after God's own heart must cultivate honesty, righteousness, and unwavering devotion to the Lord's will. This inner virtue is complemented by the visible display of skill. Proverbs 22:29 says, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men....