ARE YOU WISE OR FOOLISH? MATTHEW 25: 1-13

Looking forward to meet the bridegroom

How many Christians are looking forward to meet the King? How many of us are looking forward to the kingdom of heaven? If we are, it will be wise to consider the whole of this parable which the Lord has given unto us. As Christians, we are told of a hope which awaits us after this life. The Lord has promised in John 14:2-4 that He will prepare a place for us, and also come back to take us there. I am very sure we all look forward to going into his kingdom.

Preparation

We shall do well to see how we prepare to meet the King, for in this, shall it be determined who is wise or foolish among us. We see in this parable spoken by our Lord that some were foolish. Why were they foolish, we may ask? They had their lamps lit, but had no oils in their vessels. Who would do such a thing we may ask again? It may do us well to consider if we have been classified among this group of foolish virgins; since the Lord himself has indicated that some Christians will be foolish. From scripture (please read Psalm 119:105), we see that the lamp is the word of God which lights our path. We are also told by the Lord (please read Matthew 5:14-16) that we are the light of the world. So as you can see, these Christians carried their lights; they did good works, prayed, prophesied, and healed the sick. They did everything well except for one thing; they had no oil in their vessel. What is the oil? I know many say it represents the Spirit of God, but I would like us to take more consideration into what it means. I would like to suggest that the oil not only represents the filling of the Spirit, but it also represents the steadfastness, watchfulness, obedience to the word, continued walk in holiness, endurance, and hearts steadily focused on the Lord. Those who possess this oil continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), and they give diligence to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10).

Who then is the wise Christian? These did not only carry their lamps, but they had oil in their vessels to keep the light burning. This group which are called wise by the Lord considered the journey ahead or even the cost of going on that journey ( please read Luke 14:26-35). They prepared well for the journey before meeting the groom and paid the cost to be ready. They were full of the Spirit, watchful, obedient to the word of God, steadfast in their faith, walked in holiness, endured all things, and had their hearts fixed on the Lord.

Delay

So the groom delayed His coming. May we also reason as to why He may have delayed His coming? Perhaps the Christians were not ready for Him. Or He was hoping that the foolish ones would get prepared properly? We know that the Lord is not slack concerning His promises, but is longsuffering toward us because He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (read 2 Peter 3:1-18). He certainly forces no one to enter in, though He bids them to come. He wants all who are called to make all necessary preparations If they really want to be in His kingdom regardless of the cost.

Slumber

They slumbered and slept while the Groom tarried. Why did they slumber we may ask? The Christians probably waited for His return, but saw Him not. They heard that the wedding would certainly hold, but when He delayed His arrival, they grew weary. One thing to note here is that though the wise ones were included among those who slumbered and slept, they still had their oil with them. What does it mean to slumber and sleep? From what I have seen, the longer most people stay as Christians they hear about the coming of Jesus, but as each year goes by without His return, they become passive and get entangled with the things of this world or various activities (which distracts them). It may also happen to new believers also who after being hot for the Lord for a few years, begin to lose their love for the things of God due to setbacks they may have experienced, persecution, trial, or failed hope of a soon return of Jesus Christ. Take also into account that the day got dark, and darkness mostly represents evil. So we can also say that during the time of delay, the days were perilous (see 2 Timothy 3:1-5). And because of these times, the love of many will grow cold (see Matthew 24:12).

Another reason many slumber is because they get entangled in various lusts, i.e lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. If these are not steadily fought against, they will induce a stupor or passiveness to the priorities in life (which are the things of God), and will quench the love we have for God. We shall do well to read Matthew chapters 5-7 in order to see how and where we stand. In this day and age, we have Christians living in adultery (as described by the Lord) because they cannot keep to God’s commandment or were ignorant of it. We also have Christians following worldly trends in almost all aspect of life, forgetting that friendship with the world (its ways and conduct) is to be an enemy of God (see James 4:4). We are not limited to examining the things written in this discourse, so please check your hearts and ways before the word of God in prayer.

Unknown hour, final call and wedding

At midnight, an hour unknown to the Christians, a cry came that the bridegroom was on His way. When this call was made (as we see it being made now), the Christians arose and began working on themselves to be prepared. They trimmed their lamp; checking to see that they had been in the truth of God’s word all the while (please read Jeremiah 6:16). The foolish ones hereby seeing that they fell short asked for some oil from the wise ones. Was there anyway the wise Christians could give them anything? There was no way they could give them of their own strength, least they too will be weary and fall short, so they said “go to those who sell and buy some”. At the last minute, even the sellers are off to the same wedding, so perhaps there will be none to sell. Even if they found one who could teach them the right way, they may begin to contend with them about what they think should or shouldn’t be done. 

O what a joyful time it must have been for the wise Christians who entered in; in contrast, what a miserable reality it must have been for those who were outside when the door shut. Even after they called out to the groom, He said “I know you not”, (also see Matthew 7:21-23).

Final exhortation

So which are you; wise or foolish? Have you defiled your garments? Have you allowed sin into your life, and walked after the course of this world? Have you lost your first love? Have you kept the faith? Are you ready for His return? Are you really walking in the doctrines of the Lord and His apostles?

These are sincere questions to ask ourselves. Many may say that there is no need to get ourselves ready, but I see that the Lord commands Churches in Revelation chapters 2-3 to get themselves back in order. The call is out now in this generation for the Church to fix up and get ready. The Lord is asking us to trim our lamps and get ready. Be watchful, strengthen the things which remain, remember the word of God and do them. Hold fast to the word of God and repent if your garment has been defiled. If you shall not watch, He will come as a thief in the night and you will be left outside. But if you are ready and have garments that are not defiled, you shall be with Him.

Search your hearts; let the Lord cleanse all impurity within. As He works on your heart, the outside will be made clean as well - it shall be visible to all when you begin to separate yourself from the ways of this world. Go back to the doctrines taught in the bible and do as God has commanded.

May we all be ready for His return in Jesus name. Amen.

The Sermons of John Wesley - Sermon 2.. "The Almost Christian"

Preached at St. Mary's, Oxford, before the university, on July 25, 1741.

"Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Acts 26.28.

AND many there are who go thus far: ever since the Christian religion was in the world, there have been many in every age and nation who were almost persuaded to be Christians. But seeing it avails nothing before God to go only thus far, it highly imports us to consider,

First. What is implied in being almost,

Secondly. What in being altogether, a Christian.

I. (I.) 1. Now, in the being almost a Christian is implied, First, heathen honesty. No one, I suppose, will make any question of this; especially, since by heathen honesty here, I mean, not that which is recommended in the writings of their philosophers only, but such as the common heathens expected one of another, and many of them actually practised. By the rules of this they were taught that they ought not to be unjust; not to take away their neighbour's goods, either by robbery or theft; not to oppress the poor, neither to use extortion toward any; not to cheat or overreach either the poor or rich, in whatsoever commerce they had with them; to defraud no man of his right; and, if it were possible, to owe no man anything.

2. Again: the common heathens allowed, that some regard was to be paid to truth, as well as to justice. And, accordingly, they not only held him in abomination who was forsworn, who called God to witness to a lie; but him also who was known to be a slanderer of his neighbour, who falsely accused any man. And indeed, little better did they esteem wilful liars of any sort, accounting them the disgrace of human kind, and the pests of society.

3. Yet again: there was a sort of love and assistance which they expected one from another. They expected whatever assistance any one could give another, without prejudice to himself. And this they extended not only to those little offices of humanity which are performed without any expense or labour, but likewise to the feeding the hungry, if they had food to spare; the clothing the naked with their own superfluous raiment; and, in general. the giving, to any that needed, such things as they needed not themselves. Thus far, in the lowest account of it, heathen honesty went; the first thing implied in the being almost a Christian.

(II.) 4. A second thing implied in the being almost a Christian, is, the having a form of godliness; of that godliness which is prescribed in the gospel of Christ; the having the outside of a real Christian. Accordingly, the almost Christian does nothing which the gospel forbids. he taketh not the name of God in vain; he blesseth, and curseth not; he sweareth not at all, but his communication is, yea, yea; nay, nay. he profanes not the day of the Lord, nor suffers it to be profaned, even by the stranger that is within his gates. he not only avoids all actual adultery, fornication, and uncleanness, but every word or look that either directly or indirectly tends thereto; nay, and all idle words, abstaining both from detraction, backbiting, talebearing, evil speaking, and from "all foolish talking and jesting"--eutrapelia, a kind of virtue in the heathen moralist's account; --briefly, from all conversation that is not "good to the use of edifying,' and that, consequently, "grieves the Holy Spirit of God, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.'

5. He abstains from "wine wherein is excess'; from revellings and gluttony. he avoids, as much as in him lies, all strife and contention, continually endeavouring to live peaceably with all men. And, if he suffer wrong, he avengeth not himself, neither returns evil for evil. he is no railer, no brawler, no scoffer, either at the faults or infirmities of his neighbour. he does not willingly wrong, hurt, or grieve any man; but in all things act and speaks by that plain rule, "Whatsoever thou wouldest not he should do unto thee, that do not thou to another."

6. And in doing good, he does not confine himself to cheap and easy offices of kindness, but labours and suffers for the profit of many, that by all means he may help some. In spite of toil or pain, "whatsoever his hand findeth to do, he doeth it with his might;" whether it be for his friends, or for his enemies; for the evil, or for the good. For being "not slothful" in this, or in any "business," as he "hath opportunity" he doeth "good," all manner of good, "to all men;" and to their souls as well as their bodies. he reproves the wicked, instructs the ignorant, confirms the wavering, quickens the good, and comforts the afflicted. he labours to awaken those that sleep; to lead those whom God hath already awakened to the "Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness," that they may wash therein and be clean; and to stir up those who are saved through faith, to adorn the gospel of Christ in all things.

7. He that hath the form of godliness uses also the means of grace; yea, all of them, and at all opportunities. he constantly frequents the house of God; and that, not as the manner of some is, who come into the presence of the Most High, either loaded with gold and costly apparel, or in all the gaudy vanity of dress, and either by their unseasonable civilities to each other, or the impertinent gaiety of their behaviour, disclaim all pretensions to the form as well as to the power of godliness. Would to God there were none even among ourselves who fall under the same condemnation! who come into this house, it may be, gazing about, or with all the signs of the most listless, careless indifference, though sometimes they may seem to use a prayer to God for his blessing on what they are entering upon; who, during that awful service, are either asleep, or reclined in the most convenient posture for it; or, as though they supposed God was asleep, talking with one another, or looking round, as utterly void of employment. Neither let these be accused of the form of godliness. No; he who has even this, behaves with seriousness and attention, in every part of that solemn service. More especially, when he approaches the table of the Lord, it is not with a light or careless behaviour, but with an air, gesture, and deportment which speaks nothing else but "God be merciful to me a sinner!"

8. To this, if we add the constant use of family prayer, by those who are masters of families, and the setting times apart for private addresses to God, with a daily seriousness of behaviour; he who uniformly practises this outward religion, has the form of godliness. There needs but one thing more in order to his being almost a Christian, and that is, sincerity.

(III.) 9. By sincerity I mean, a real, inward principle of religion, from whence these outward actions flow. And, indeed if we have not this, we have not heathen honesty; no, not so much of it as will answer the demand of a heathen Epicurean poet. Even this poor wretch, in his sober intervals, is able to testify,

Oderunt peccare boni, virtutis amore;

Oderunt peccare mali, formidine poenae.

[Good men avoid sin from the love of virtue; Wicked men avoid sin from a fear of punishment.]

So that, if a man only abstains from doing evil in order to avoid punishment, Non pasces in cruce corvos, [Thou shalt not be hanged.], saith the Pagan; there, "thou hast thy reward." But even he will not allow such a harmless man as this to be so much as a good heathen. If, then, any man, from the same motive, viz., to avoid punishment, to avoid the loss of his friends, or his gain, or his reputation, should not only abstain from doing evil, but also do ever so much good; yea, and use all the means of grace; yet we could not with any propriety say, this man is even almost a Christian. If he has no better principle in his heart, he is only a hypocrite altogether.

10. Sincerity, therefore, is necessarily implied in the being almost a Christian; a real design to serve God, a hearty desire to do his will. It is necessarily implied, that a man have a sincere view of pleasing God in all things; in all his conversation; in all his actions; in all he does or leaves undone. This design, if any man be almost a Christian, runs through the whole tenor of his life. This is the moving principle, both in his doing good, his abstaining from evil, and his using the ordinances of God.

11. But here it will probably be inquired, "Is it possible that any man living should go so far as this, and, nevertheless, be only almost a Christian What more than this, can be implied in the being a Christian altogether I answer, First, that it is possible to go thus far, and yet be but almost a Christian, I learn, not only from the oracles of God, but also from the sure testimony of experience.

12. Brethren, great is "my boldness towards you in this behalf." And "forgive me this wrong," if I declare my own folly upon the house-top, for yours and the gospel's sake. --Suffer me, then, to speak freely of myself, even as of another man. I am content to be abased, so ye may be exalted, and to be yet more vile for the glory of my Lord.

13. I did go thus far for many years, as many of this place can testify; using diligence to eschew all evil, and to have a conscience void of offence; redeeming the time; buying up every opportunity of doing all good to all men; constantly and carefully using all the public and all the private means of grace; endeavouring after a steady seriousness of behaviour, at all times, and in all places; and, God is my record, before whom I stand, doing all this in sincerity; having a real design to serve God; a hearty desire to do his will in all things; to please him who had called me to "fight the good fight," and to "lay hold of eternal life." Yet my own conscience beareth me witness in the Holy Ghost, that all this time I was but almost a Christian.

II. If it be inquired, "What more than this is implied in the being altogether a Christian" I answer,

(I.) 1. First. The love of God. For thus saith his word, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength." Such a love is this, as engrosses the whole heart, as rakes up all the affections, as fills the entire capacity of the soul and employs the utmost extent of all its faculties. he that thus loves the Lord his God, his spirit continually "rejoiceth in God his Saviour." his delight is in the Lord, his Lord and his All, to whom "in everything he giveth thanks. All his desire is unto God, and to the remembrance of his name." his heart is ever crying out, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee." Indeed, what can he desire beside God Not the world, or the things of the world: for he is "crucified to the world, and the world crucified to him." he is crucified to "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, and the pride of life." Yea, he is dead to pride of every kind: for "love is not puffed up" but "he that dwelling in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him," is less than nothing in his own eyes.

(II.) 2. The Second thing implied in the being altogether a Christian is, the love of our neighbour. For thus said our Lord in the following words, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" If any man ask, "Who is my neighbour" we reply, Every man in the world; every child of his who is the Father of the spirits of all flesh. Nor may we in any wise except our enemies or the enemies of God and their own souls. But every Christian loveth these also as himself, yea, "as Christ loved us." he that would more fully understand what manner of love this is, may consider St. Paul's description of it. It is "long-suffering and kind." It "envieth not." It is not rash or hasty in judging. It "is not puffed up;" but maketh him that loves, the least, the servant of all. Love "doth not behave itself unseemly," but becometh "all things to all men." She "seeketh not her own;" but only the good of others, that they may be saved. "Love is not provoked." It casteth out wrath, which he who hath is wanting in love. "It thinketh no evil. It rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. It covereth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

(III.) 3. There is yet one thing more that may be separately considered, though it cannot actually be separate from the preceding, which is implied in the being altogether a Christian; and that is the ground of all, even faith. Very excellent things are spoken of this throughout the oracles of God. "Every one, saith the beloved disciple, "that believeth is born of God." "To as many as received him, gave he power to become the sons of God. even to them that believe on his name." And "this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Yea, our Lord himself declares, "He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life; and cometh not into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life."

4. But here let no man deceive his own soul. "It is diligently to be noted, the faith which bringeth not forth repentance, and love, and all good works, is not that right living faith, but a dead and devilish one. For, even the devils believe that Christ was born of a virgin: that he wrought all kinds of miracles, declaring himself very God: that, for our sakes, he suffered a most painful death, to redeem us from death everlasting; that he rose again the third day: that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father and at the end of the world shall come again to judge both the quick and dead. These articles of our faith the devils believe, and so they believe all that is written in the Old and New Testament. And yet for all this faith, they be but devils. They remain still in their damnable estate lacking the very true Christian faith." [Homily on the Salvation of Man.]

5. "The right and true Christian faith is (to go on m the words of our own Church), "not only to believe that Holy Scripture and the Articles of our Faith are true, but also to have a sure trust and confidence to be saved from everlasting damnation by Christ. It is a sure trust and confidence which a man hath in God, that, by the merits of Christ, his sins are forgiven, and he reconciled to the favour of God; whereof doth follow a loving heart, to obey his commandments."

6. Now, whosoever has this faith, which "purifies the heart" (by the power of God, who dwelleth therein) from "pride, anger, desire, from all unrighteousness" from "all filthiness of flesh and spirit;" which fills it with love stronger than death, both to God and to all mankind; love that doeth the works of God, glorying to spend and to be spent for all men, and that endureth with joy, not only the reproach of Christ, the being mocked, despised, and hated of all men, but whatsoever the wisdom of God permits the malice of men or devils to inflict, --whosoever has this faith thus working by love is not almost only, but altogether, a Christian.

7. But who are the living witnesses of these things I beseech you, brethren, as in the presence of that God before whom "hell and destruction are without a covering--how much more the hearts of the children of men" --that each of you would ask his own heart, "Am I of that number Do I so far practise justice, mercy, and truth, as even the rules of heathen honesty require If so, have I the very outside of a Christian the form of godliness Do I abstain from evil, --from whatsoever is forbidden in the written Word of God Do I, whatever good my hand findeth to do, do it with my might Do I seriously use all the ordinances of God at all opportunities And is all this done with a sincere design and desire to please God in all things"

8. Are not many of you conscious, that you never came thus far; that you have not been even almost a Christian; that you have not come up to the standard of heathen honesty; at least, not to the form of Christian godliness --much less hath God seen sincerity in you, a real design of pleasing him in all things. You never so much as intended to devote all your words and works. your business, studies, diversions, to his glory. You never even designed or desired, that whatsoever you did should be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus, and as such should be "a spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God through Christ.

9. But, supposing you had, do good designs and good desires make a Christian By no means, unless they are brought to good effect. "Hell is paved," saith one, "with good intentions." The great question of all, then, still remains. Is the love of God shed abroad in your heart Can you cry out, "My God, and my All" Do you desire nothing but him Are you happy in God Is he your glory, your delight, your crown of rejoicing And is this commandment written in your heart, "That he who loveth God love his brother also" Do you then love your neighbour as yourself Do you love every man, even your enemies, even the enemies of God, as your own soul as Christ loved you Yea, dost thou believe that Christ loved thee, and gave himself for thee Hast thou faith in his blood Believest thou the Lamb of God hath taken away thy sins, and cast them as a stone into the depth of the sea that he hath blotted out the handwriting that was against thee, taking it out of the way, nailing it to his cross Hast thou indeed redemption through his blood, even the remission of thy sins And doth his Spirit bear witness with thy spirit, that thou art a child of God

10. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who now standeth in the midst of us, knoweth, that if any man die without this faith and this love, good it were for him that he had never been born. Awake, then, thou that sleepest, and call upon thy God: call in the day when he may be found. Let him not rest, till he make his "goodness to pass before thee;" till he proclaim unto thee the name of the Lord, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin." Let no man persuade thee, by vain words, to rest short of this prize of thy high calling. But cry unto him day and night, who, "while we were without strength, died for the ungodly," until thou knowest in whom thou hast believed, and canst say, "My Lord, and my God!" Remember, "always to pray, and not to faint," till thou also canst lift up thy hand unto heaven, and declare to him that liveth for ever and ever, "Lord, Thou knowest all things, Thou knowest that I love Thee."

11. May we all thus experience what it is to be, not almost only; but altogether Christians; being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus; knowing we have peace with God through Jesus Christ; rejoicing in hope of the glory of God; and having the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost given unto us!

Edited anonymously at the Memorial University of Newfoundland with corrections and other modifications by Ryan Danker and George Lyons of Northwest Nazarene University.

Copyright 1999 by the Wesley Center for Applied Theology. Text may be freely used for personal or scholarly purposes or mirrored on other web sites, provided this notice is left intact. Any use of this material for commercial purposes of any kind is strictly forbidden without the express permission of the Wesley Center at Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID 83686. Contact the Webmaster for permission.

http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-2-the-almost-christian/

How do you work for God?

Esther is a very gentle and easy going woman, who always tried to avoid trouble at any cost. She is a child of God, and very devoted to the work of the Lord. Esther was working with Lagos state government as a Cleanway (Cleaner).

 
One day her pastor called her and said, “We were planning to employ someone that will be cleaning up the church before the service, but as we were planning to do so, the Spirit of God asked me to give that assignment to you; that you should be the one to do it”. Esther agreed and for more than three years, she was doing this for God, even before anyone arrived in the church, everywhere was always tidy. She also worked without asking for payment.
One Sunday morning, she overslept and quickly rushed to the church to clean it up before the service will commence. Then a lady entered the church while she was still sweeping the church and said rudely- “Woman, is this the time you are supposed to be sweeping the church; when the service is about to start? Is this how you take care of your home? I wonder how you will be taking care of your family if you will be working like this in the house of God. No wonder you have not be progressing in life. For years you are still on a spot, sweeping when your mate are driving Jeep. Will you hurry up and finish up the cleaning before the service starts!” She shouted.
Esther was very shocked to hear these things, and then she dropped the broom and left the church. The church was left untidy and when people started coming for service, they were surprised to see things untidy. They couldn’t see Esther in the church service. After the service, the pastor sent for her to find out what happened and tried to encourage her to ignore the word of the lady and keep working for God. She said, “I can never continue sweeping for the church. What kind of insult is that? Am I working for gain? Please pastor, leave me alone and beside, I don’t think I can continue coming to this church. I’m avoiding trouble”.
Two weeks later, Esther died. She died and appeared before God’s throne, and her name was not found in the book of the Lamb. “Why Lord?”, then God said to her- “I called you to be sweeping My house, and you left My work because someone insulted you! Two things removed your name from the book of the Lamb: You failed to settle the matter quickly with your adversary, and you neglected the work I had committed into thy hand. Come let me showed you what could have being your reward if you have finished up the race.” Brethren, Esther’s Mansion was even bigger than that of her pastor because she had nothing to offer, but she offered her service for the work of God. But in the end, she let Satan distract her. She pleaded for mercy but none was shown to her, for the judgement had being set. Then a voice asked her to depart, and she end up in hell.

Let’s stop here....

Many Christians are in this category, including me myself. Before I gave my life to Christ, my church trained me to play the piano for them. But after some years, pride came in and I felt too big to be play for my church and stopped. But the day I gave my life to Christ, I had to go back to my church to apologize before the whole congregation (Restitution). 
“Jer48:10: Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully”

Friends have you left your church because someone insulted you? Have you stopped attending that home house fellowship because someone lied against you? Have you left your church because your pastor corrected you publicly and you took it as an embarrassment? Have you stopped being an usher because one of the members of the churches disrespected you? If you will not be insulted for working for God, then where do you want to be insulted?
You used to preach the gospel on Facebook, the easiest and cheapest place to preach the gospel, but stopped because someone rubbished your post. Do you want devil to prevail? We are not all called to be a pastor; every part of the body of Christ has its own function. If everybody becomes a pastor, who then will be members of the congregation? Who will be the usher, and who will drum the beat? Who will do the engineering work, and who will teach the children’s class? Whenever your pastor chooses you for a work in the house of God, take it with joy and do it whole heartedly. Many have rejected God unknowingly. Again did your pastor place you on suspension, and you left the church because of that? Go back and finish it up; because whatsoever is bound on earth is also bound in heaven. Except the pastor who placed you on suspension looses it, you have no right to leave for another church.
The Lord has blessed you with riches and you are the only rich man in your church, then the Lord purposely placed you there so as to help his work financially. Nothing you give to the Lord will be in vain.

1Cor3: 13: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is
Let me explain this to you.
Once you die and you find yourself before the judgment, there will be a box in which is written all your work. The box will pass through a fire which will burn down the box, and if a reward (maybe a crown of gold or something else) is revealed, then you have a reward. But if the box burns away and nothing shows up, then you have no reward.

Are you doing the work of God wholeheartedly? You have stopped preaching the gospel because someone insulted you? You stop preaching because someone said, you can’t speak English?
You stopped giving your testimony because people called you an agent of darkness who spit lies from bottom of hell? Who are you to obey; God or man?

Do you think it was your pastor who called you? Ok. Let’s prove it.
Let us look at Elijah and the Widow, and I want you to mark a word there.
1King17:9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I HAVE COMMANDED A WIDOW WOMAN THERE TO SUSTAIN THEE". You all know the story. The woman may be looking at Elijah thinking it was Elijah that commanded her, but it was directed by God. She was called by God without knowing it.
Never you think it was your pastor who called you to be an usher. Never think it was your pastor who called you to be in the choir or sent you on God’s mission. The work of God must be done whole heartedly.

Many people have already had their reward here on earth. 
You call yourself an instrumentalist, (a Christian) and the Church you attend pays you salaries for the instrument you play? You have your reward already here on earth!
You call yourself a preacher of the gospel, but your duty is to charge people after preaching the gospel, (this is not an exaggeration but what I have seen very well), after the preaching you charge people to bring money to help the work of God. What work of God? You have your reward already here on earth!
Christian musician, whenever you are called for a crusade, you first of all charge the Church. You are working for yourself and not God.
Many end up in hell because they were not being fruitful, and many end in hell because they refuse to be faithful with their talent. Learn from the mistake of that foolish servant.
I’m not a pastor as many think, but I have learned to use the little which I have been given for the glory of God. 
Those single talents you have use it for God. Look for something to do in the house of God.

Written by AY Ringing - 

To add him on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elufidipe.a

Are the gifts for today, or did they cease?

The bible is certainly clear about the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit. I understand that the gifts are not the Holy Spirit, but the same Holy Spirit gives to any man as He wills, and works in every man in whom He gives those gifts (when they are used).

Ref:  “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit........ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He wills” – 1 Corinthians 12:4, 11

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

       To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

       To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:” – 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10

I do believe that the gifts are still for today, and are active in this day and age. I shall begin with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1.  Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

       Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

       And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

This scripture speaks to people of all ages, from the time Jesus Christ walked on the earth until when He comes back to judge the earth. He says ‘many’ will say to me in that day; He did not say “a people from certain time period shall say to me”. In this scripture, He certainly warns that possessing the gifts do not qualify one to enter heaven, but doing the will of His Father does.

2.  Mark 16:15-18 “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

       He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

       And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

       They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

The Lord Jesus commanded the disciples to go and preach the gospel to all creatures. They obeyed this commandment and made more disciples, who continued in the work of making disciples and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ (teaching all He had commanded). To those who shall believe in all ages, these signs will follow them; not just to some in the first century, but in all ages until His return.

"That believe with that very faith mentioned in the preceding verse." (Though it is certain that a man may work miracles, and not have saving faith, Matthew 7:22,23.) "It was not one faith by which St. Paul was saved, another by which he wrought miracles. Even at this day in every believer faith has a latent miraculous power; (every effect of prayer being really miraculous ;) although in many, both because of their own littleness of faith, and because the world is unworthy, that power is not exerted. Miracles, in the beginning, were helps to faith; now also they are the object of it. At Leonberg, in the memory of our fathers, a cripple that could hardly move with crutches, while the dean was preaching on this very text, was in a moment made whole." Shall follow - The word and faith must go before.” – John Wesley’s commentary

3.  Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

       Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

       Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

All power belongs to Jesus Christ and He sent His disciples out as seen here and also in Mark 16, Luke 24. One question to ask here is “do we still baptise Christians?” If so, we must certainly believe that Jesus really meant those signs will follow the believers.

4.  Luke 24:46-49 “Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

       And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

       And ye are witnesses of these things.

       And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

Do we still preach repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus among all nations, and did this not begin at Jerusalem with the disciples? And ever faithfully, He baptises believers with the Holy Spirit and fire. – Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16...also see Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13

5.  Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

They were to be baptised with the Holy Spirit into Christ and then receive power to be witnesses of Him the world. The power to witness also includes the power to live and be holy as He is holy. For by this they will be effective witnesses in reaching the world. The apostles did not reach the uttermost part of the earth, but as they made disciples, these carried the gospel to the ends of the earth (with power) even to this very day.

Are the gifts of the Spirit given only through the laying on of hands?

Certainly not! We see an example in Acts 10:44-46

       ^“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

       And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

                For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”

We see that though the apostles laid hands on people in other verses of scripture, the Holy Spirit can still be given directly by God because He is not limited by us.

Argument

Why should the gifts cease? Did the Holy Spirit just decide not to give these gifts anymore? If we say that it has ceased, then the Holy Spirit is no longer given to us on the earth.

But this is not the case since God made a new covenant with us, and this covenant was sealed by the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” Hebrews 10:16

With the new covenant came the promise of the Spirit.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

                For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38-39

It is therefore evident through scripture that the new covenant is for as many as the Lord our God shall call.

So then we can look at 1 Corinthians 12 with the view that the Holy Spirit is still on His earthly ministry, enabling us to walk in the ways of Christ and continuing His work on earth.

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” – 1 Corinthians 12:1

The Holy Spirit speaking through Paul will not have us stay ignorant about the gifts available to the believer. These gifts are then listed later in the chapter.

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4

Though these gifts are diverse, the same Spirit gives them to any believer as He wills; for the benefit of the body of Christ (both individually and collectively).

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

       Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

       Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” – 1 Corinthians 12:28-30

It is evident here that since the Spirit gives the gifts diversely as He wills, not everyone will speak in tongues, prophecy, work healings, and so on. So we can hereby view this in light of Mark 16:17-18 and say that every believer can be used by the Lord to heal, cast out demons, and so on, but some will also be given specific offices or gifts by the Spirit in which they can work in.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul begins to let them know that without Love/Charity all gifts used or works done by the believer is of no use (not profitable). Can a man say He loves God whom he has not seen and then hate his brother? Certainly not. 1 John 4 addresses this issue also.

 “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

       For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

       But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

       When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

                For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

       And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John3:2

Love will never fail; for if we love God we will keep His commandments. And if we do so, we shall be with Him where He is. Prophecies will fail; for we prophecy in part. We can die and not see them come to pass. Or again, a man may deny himself a word of prophecy if he walks in disobedience (see King Saul’s example from 1 Samuel 9 to 13, also see 13:13-14) (also 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). When a man dies, tongues cease, but he will be judged afterwards according to his work on the earth. These gifts are hereby temporary until that which is perfect comes; which is Jesus Christ and His return (to take His Church, judge the earth and establish His kingdom).

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit gives the gifts to whom He wills. Do not let unbelief cause you to deny the truths in scripture. Even if a well known theologian says otherwise, the Lord is able to reveal truth to those who will seek to know (and obey Him).

I have not included personal experiences of my own in this because I chose not to. I am however happy to share if necessary.

Thanks for reading. May the Lord give understanding.