BE BOLD TO SAY " IMITATE ME"
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
1corinthians 11:1" Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
The Christian influence is horizontal and vertical .The horizontal influence is the impression we create in the minds of those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ. We epitomize the Christ-like nature and are the embodiment of the holy scriptures. We are proof of the functionality of the scriptures.The vertical influence is our worship of the heavenly Father.
The scriptures describes the church as the light of the world meaning we are the true source of illumination of the minds and hearts of men by opening their eyes to the consequences of human actions .This aids in making right choices in life. The church is also described as salt of the earth (Mathew 5:13-14). We give flavour to the dreams and aspirations of men. Salt is a food seasoning that harmonizes the various tastes, preserves food and eliminates nausea. This is a summary of our impact in the lives of men. We help people make decisions that makes them acceptable to the lord through the proclamation and demonstration of the life changing power of the gospel.
We are the bible the world sees. We are to show the world godly examples of the efficacy of the gospel, the scriptures says in 1Tim.4:12" Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." And exemplary life is expected the more from church leaders, bishops,pastors,evangelists etc 1 Peter 5:2-4 says " Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Preachers are enjoined not to allow the quest for material wealth be their motivation for serving God. Nations were preachers over-emphasize the acquisition of material wealth while using one's financial data as the measure of God’s blessing upon a person have ended up being overrun by criminals. Such a preaching is contrary to the scriptures which says in 1Tim.6:5 "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." godliness isn't measured by how much money a person has, if that was the case then drug barons,kidnappers,terrorists ,smugglers ,high class prostitutes etc should be called saints.
Societal reformation starts from preachers, likewise corruption starts from the pulpit. Apostle Paul’s leadership example and high moral standard changed the socio-political landscape of Macedonia and Asia. Till this day, these regions of the world are known for hard work and development.The scriptures speaks of apostle Paul’s inputs in 1 Thessalonians.1:5-7" For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. "Preachers are to put in place whatever is missing in society . Institutionalized corruption ,poverty, racism, starts and ends in church. What emanates from our pulpit affects the socio-cultural fabrics of nations negatively or positively.
We should be bold enough to say 'imitate me' like Paul did in1Cor.4:15-16, he said in 1Cor.11: 1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." and in 2Thess 3:7 he said "...you out to follow our examples ". Our Christian practice should not become a stumbling block to others. Knowledge is both liberating and intimidating, and if not properly managed, it could cause more harm than good. Liberty without restraints is counter-productive ,it brings shame to the church ( 1Cor.8:1-13, Romans 14:1-21.) Jesus warns us never to set a bad example and cause others to live in error ( Matthew 5:19, Matthew 18:6) He said in Luke 17:1-3 " Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." As you receive this now receive grace to be a light to your generation in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
1corinthians 11:1" Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
The Christian influence is horizontal and vertical .The horizontal influence is the impression we create in the minds of those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ. We epitomize the Christ-like nature and are the embodiment of the holy scriptures. We are proof of the functionality of the scriptures.The vertical influence is our worship of the heavenly Father.
The scriptures describes the church as the light of the world meaning we are the true source of illumination of the minds and hearts of men by opening their eyes to the consequences of human actions .This aids in making right choices in life. The church is also described as salt of the earth (Mathew 5:13-14). We give flavour to the dreams and aspirations of men. Salt is a food seasoning that harmonizes the various tastes, preserves food and eliminates nausea. This is a summary of our impact in the lives of men. We help people make decisions that makes them acceptable to the lord through the proclamation and demonstration of the life changing power of the gospel.
We are the bible the world sees. We are to show the world godly examples of the efficacy of the gospel, the scriptures says in 1Tim.4:12" Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." And exemplary life is expected the more from church leaders, bishops,pastors,evangelists etc 1 Peter 5:2-4 says " Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Preachers are enjoined not to allow the quest for material wealth be their motivation for serving God. Nations were preachers over-emphasize the acquisition of material wealth while using one's financial data as the measure of God’s blessing upon a person have ended up being overrun by criminals. Such a preaching is contrary to the scriptures which says in 1Tim.6:5 "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." godliness isn't measured by how much money a person has, if that was the case then drug barons,kidnappers,terrorists ,smugglers ,high class prostitutes etc should be called saints.
Societal reformation starts from preachers, likewise corruption starts from the pulpit. Apostle Paul’s leadership example and high moral standard changed the socio-political landscape of Macedonia and Asia. Till this day, these regions of the world are known for hard work and development.The scriptures speaks of apostle Paul’s inputs in 1 Thessalonians.1:5-7" For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. "Preachers are to put in place whatever is missing in society . Institutionalized corruption ,poverty, racism, starts and ends in church. What emanates from our pulpit affects the socio-cultural fabrics of nations negatively or positively.
We should be bold enough to say 'imitate me' like Paul did in1Cor.4:15-16, he said in 1Cor.11: 1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." and in 2Thess 3:7 he said "...you out to follow our examples ". Our Christian practice should not become a stumbling block to others. Knowledge is both liberating and intimidating, and if not properly managed, it could cause more harm than good. Liberty without restraints is counter-productive ,it brings shame to the church ( 1Cor.8:1-13, Romans 14:1-21.) Jesus warns us never to set a bad example and cause others to live in error ( Matthew 5:19, Matthew 18:6) He said in Luke 17:1-3 " Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." As you receive this now receive grace to be a light to your generation in Jesus name.
Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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