RENEWING YOUR PASSION FOR GOD
By Rev,Michael Benson Ajayi
John 6:60,66 "Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?..From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. "
Most persons initially come to the lord for needs to be met without making any long-term commitment to serve Him. God wants our needs met and beyond that He is seeking for true worshipers; disciples and instruments through whom the world will come to know Him.
Discipleship demands standing for the truth at all times, a high level of discipline and willingness to take on responsibilities beyond the call of duty .It is this aspect of following Christ that most persons are least interested in because it requires selflessness .The average Christian struggles with selfishness; it is behind life’s crisis. Research shows that less than 10% of the church’s population are truly committed to winning souls for God's kingdom ,80% are lukewarm parishioners ,while the remaining 10% are spiritually inactive spectators with no interest in church activities. Matthew 22:14kjv says " For many are called, but few are chosen. "
Being lukewarm makes one an easy prey for Satan .Out of over a hundred disciples that once worked with Jesus, the majority abandoned Him when He demanded a higher level of commitment from them. He was left with twelve and yet was able to fulfill His mission on earth, a confirmation that God isn't limited by human numbers: it took one man: Joseph, to save Egypt, another man: Jonah, to save Nineveh, it also took Daniel and his three friends to change the political and spiritual landscape of ancient Babylon. Do not underestimate the potency of God's salvation power within you.
Abandonment doesn't translate to you not being good enough as in the case of Jesus.We should not feel guilty at the exit of persons from our lives, rather see it as proof of our being uncompromisingly righteous. The sinful nature of man is incompatible with the character of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:17 AMP says"For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do."
In John 6:66 the bible says" they worked no more with Him" because they were carnally motivated: that did not change the intensity of Jesus' teachings and we should do likewise (Jer.1:5-8). One needs a constant stream of sound doctrine to grow spiritually (2Pet2:2). Neglecting the word of God automatically results in backsliding (loss of passion for God) consequently one loses taste for Godliness (Rev.3:15,16) resulting in the loss of credibility and honour. Immediate repentance is the cure from the adverse effects of losing one's "first love" for Jesus ( Rev2:4-5)
It is very easy to lose sight of the heavenly goal once a person is full of his or her own ways (Proverbs 14:14). Anxiety results in unrealistic deadlines with negative implications on our worship. God isn't obligated to answer a requests whose outcome is of no benefit in the propagation of the gospel .. Such requests are usually idols which compete with God for our hearts (Ezekiel 14:7-8,1Tim 6:9) therefore, we shouldn't be offended when they are not granted especially when our commitment to the lord is questionable .Luke 16:11 kjv says" If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? "
God does not commit genuine articles to unfaithful persons.The backsliding person does not believe it is profitable to live according to God's word (Malachi3:14) and easily quits during difficult times ( Matthew 13:20-21 ) they are motivated by love for money(.John10:12-13).
Some of the factors that lead to backsliding include an addiction to worldly pleasures and love for money (Hebrews 11 :14-15, Matthew 13:22),not being informed in the word of the Lord (Matt :726-27,1Tim1:19) .Being angry every time the truth of God's word is taught (Ephesians 4:18-19,prov.29:1, Hebrews 12:15) and a double-minded approach to scriptures while holding on to occultism which contradict scriptures (Acts19:19, Hosea 10:2,James 1:6-8). Pride and the refusal to receive correction (Proverbs.15:10,Job33:9,10),secret sins (Prov.28:13). Spending more time with church- haters than church folks ( James4:4,Proverbs 13:20),always murmuring about church activities while forgetting past benefits from the church ( Numbers 14:27-30)
Backsliding leads to loss of sensitivity thus making one vulnerable to disaster , the lord always warns us of impending danger before they occur (Amos 3:3)but due to loss of hearing and vision caused by backsliding we run into them. As we repent and return back to the word and the church family , we receive healing ( Rev.3:18).
Most persons initially come to the lord for needs to be met without making any long-term commitment to serve Him. God wants our needs met and beyond that He is seeking for true worshipers; disciples and instruments through whom the world will come to know Him.
Discipleship demands standing for the truth at all times, a high level of discipline and willingness to take on responsibilities beyond the call of duty .It is this aspect of following Christ that most persons are least interested in because it requires selflessness .The average Christian struggles with selfishness; it is behind life’s crisis. Research shows that less than 10% of the church’s population are truly committed to winning souls for God's kingdom ,80% are lukewarm parishioners ,while the remaining 10% are spiritually inactive spectators with no interest in church activities. Matthew 22:14kjv says " For many are called, but few are chosen. "
Being lukewarm makes one an easy prey for Satan .Out of over a hundred disciples that once worked with Jesus, the majority abandoned Him when He demanded a higher level of commitment from them. He was left with twelve and yet was able to fulfill His mission on earth, a confirmation that God isn't limited by human numbers: it took one man: Joseph, to save Egypt, another man: Jonah, to save Nineveh, it also took Daniel and his three friends to change the political and spiritual landscape of ancient Babylon. Do not underestimate the potency of God's salvation power within you.
Abandonment doesn't translate to you not being good enough as in the case of Jesus.We should not feel guilty at the exit of persons from our lives, rather see it as proof of our being uncompromisingly righteous. The sinful nature of man is incompatible with the character of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:17 AMP says"For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do."
In John 6:66 the bible says" they worked no more with Him" because they were carnally motivated: that did not change the intensity of Jesus' teachings and we should do likewise (Jer.1:5-8). One needs a constant stream of sound doctrine to grow spiritually (2Pet2:2). Neglecting the word of God automatically results in backsliding (loss of passion for God) consequently one loses taste for Godliness (Rev.3:15,16) resulting in the loss of credibility and honour. Immediate repentance is the cure from the adverse effects of losing one's "first love" for Jesus ( Rev2:4-5)
It is very easy to lose sight of the heavenly goal once a person is full of his or her own ways (Proverbs 14:14). Anxiety results in unrealistic deadlines with negative implications on our worship. God isn't obligated to answer a requests whose outcome is of no benefit in the propagation of the gospel .. Such requests are usually idols which compete with God for our hearts (Ezekiel 14:7-8,1Tim 6:9) therefore, we shouldn't be offended when they are not granted especially when our commitment to the lord is questionable .Luke 16:11 kjv says" If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? "
God does not commit genuine articles to unfaithful persons.The backsliding person does not believe it is profitable to live according to God's word (Malachi3:14) and easily quits during difficult times ( Matthew 13:20-21 ) they are motivated by love for money(.John10:12-13).
Some of the factors that lead to backsliding include an addiction to worldly pleasures and love for money (Hebrews 11 :14-15, Matthew 13:22),not being informed in the word of the Lord (Matt :726-27,1Tim1:19) .Being angry every time the truth of God's word is taught (Ephesians 4:18-19,prov.29:1, Hebrews 12:15) and a double-minded approach to scriptures while holding on to occultism which contradict scriptures (Acts19:19, Hosea 10:2,James 1:6-8). Pride and the refusal to receive correction (Proverbs.15:10,Job33:9,10),secret sins (Prov.28:13). Spending more time with church- haters than church folks ( James4:4,Proverbs 13:20),always murmuring about church activities while forgetting past benefits from the church ( Numbers 14:27-30)
Backsliding leads to loss of sensitivity thus making one vulnerable to disaster , the lord always warns us of impending danger before they occur (Amos 3:3)but due to loss of hearing and vision caused by backsliding we run into them. As we repent and return back to the word and the church family , we receive healing ( Rev.3:18).
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for revival in
my prayer life and the revelation of God’s word in Jesus name.
Prayers/Counseling +234 8035536911,+234 8098536911
email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
my prayer life and the revelation of God’s word in Jesus name.
Prayers/Counseling +234 8035536911,+234 8098536911
email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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