The Christian Migrant Network

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL – PART 3

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:31–35 (ESV)
 
In today’s sermon from John 13:31-35, Jesus teaches about a new commandment which I call the ‘Divine Love’. It is divine because we cannot share or give it to others if we ourselves have not experienced it. But if you remember that you are a born-again Christian, then you know you have already experienced it; therefore, you need to release that love freely without any ‘BUT’. Yesterday, my mum shared with me a horrifying picture of a human being’s back with the flesh severally torn beyond surgery and the backbones showing. I almost called her to ask her not to be sharing such horrifying pictures on social media, until I saw the write up that came with the image. The title was “THE BACK OF JESUS” and the write up introduction said “This picture is believed to be an accurate depiction of Christ's back, according to the writings of St. Alphonsus de Liguori.” Brethren, I couldn’t look at the picture twice because it was horrifying. But, when I was praying my Divine Mercy prayers at 3pm in the afternoon, the Spirit of God brought a memory of this image again, I was filled with tears and broke down weeping. I said ‘Lord Is this what my sins did to you? I am sorry Jesus, I am so sorry, I am so sorry’. I cried for a while, stopped and continued praying. My brother, my sister, that is the LOVE Jesus is talking about. To go beyond just saying ‘I forgive you but…’. Unconditional love is the true badge of a disciple which Dr. Stanley shares more about in today’s sermon. Stay tuned till the end of this message and allow the spirit of God to breakthrough your defense systems. Remember also to share the messages with everyone as you enjoy it. It is the start of your discipleship journey. God bless you.

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL – PART 2

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Luke 14:25–35 (NKJV)
 
“Men want everything that God has to offer, up to the point of genuine discipleship” – Dr. Charles Stanley
In today’s session, Dr. Stanley explains the devotion to discipleship. You see the purpose of this series is to bring to mind again an understanding of true discipleship through Jesus’ perspective and not our canal understanding. The church today is suffering because we are not following the actual blue print of discipleship as provided by Jesus Christ. The apostles carried the mantle just as Jesus gave them and matched the word of God to every home, towns and cities at the peril of their lives. Today, we have left soul winning to only a few while the body of Christ have chosen to be people pleasers rather than teaching us the hard truth of the gospel. Brethren, we need to go back and pick the mantle from where the apostles also left it and revamp the church once again. Dr. Stanley shares more details on the devotion to discipleship in today’s sermon. Stay tuned till the end of this message. Remember to share these messages with everyone as you enjoy it. God bless you.

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL – PART 1

25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Luke 14:25–35 (NKJV)
 
In this series, Dr. Charles Stanley helps unpack the meaning of who a disciple is and what it means to be a disciple. He makes us to understand that the true meaning of discipleship has been misunderstood by the church of today and this has caused the church a great deal. That is why we have people who have been Christians for many years but have never won a soul before. Let’s now listen to the rest of this interesting teaching.

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL – PART 9

2 Timothy 2:1-2
 
I want to share with you two testimonies written about John Hyde, from a book written in his honor, titled “The Praying Hyde”. John Hyde was a missionary in India, whose tremendous intercession through prayer challenged others to pray more and changed lives as well. We read from the book that, John Hyde’s deep love for souls drove everything he did. Once, on his way to an important mission meeting, he met an Indian man on the train and, sensing a divine opportunity, chose to continue traveling with him to share Christ—missing the meeting but at peace in obeying God’s call. His passion for reaching the lost often meant giving away his time, possessions, and even clothes. His life truly echoed the words, “If by any means I may win some.”
At another occasion during a mission trip in the Punjab, Evangelist John Hyde felt led in prayer that ten souls would come to Christ that day. Despite hours of preaching with no visible results, he refused to leave until all ten were found. Eventually, a family welcomed them in and committed their lives to Jesus—nine souls in total. As the others urged him to leave due to nightfall, Hyde insisted, “What about that one?” His persistence paid off when the family's adopted nephew, the tenth soul, appeared and also believed. Only then did Hyde rest, having fulfilled the Lord's calling with unwavering faith.
Brethren, after reading the testimony of John Hyde’s Prayer life and listening to Dr. Charles Stanley, I felt so convicted, that I have not done enough for the Kingdom of God. For example, when Dr. Stanley asked the question “how many people ‘dead or alive’ have you won over to Christ and discipled”, I couldn’t even recall anyone. Not even one person, I scored zero. Jesus, ‘Parable of the Talents’ in Matthew 25:14-30 is real and shouldn’t be taken for grant. In the same chapter of Matthew 25, Jesus also talks about “For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home.” These are clues or call it mock questions on how the judgement day will look like. We have no excuse of not joining in soul winning and discipleship.
In today’s sermon Dr. Charles Stanley elaborates more on how we can pour out our life as believers into another person’s life. He says “Jesus did not save you just to become a child of God, but also to become a channel for God that might bring other people into a relationship with Him.”
Dear, loving and sweet Spirit, visit every heart that is listening to this message and remove any resistance the devil has place in their heart and path from allowing the message to enter deep down into their souls. Convict us and transform us, Holy Spirit, that we may renew this commitment of serving in the vineyard of the Father. Amen.

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL – PART 8

Mark 6:6-32
 
Jesus walked on this earth as Man, even though he was God he also had time to rest and liked to spend time alone. In Mark 1:35 (NIV) we read that “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed”. He also thought His disciple this principle, as we read in today’s text. Mark 6:31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”. There are many of us Christians who complain bitterly when we visit the Pastor or Priest’s residence and we are told they are resting or have taken the day off. Brethren, I pray that after today’s sermon you will get a deeper understanding that the Man of God also needs rest from the stress and emotional strain they go through. Particularly with our Catholic Priests who have no life partners to help them de-stress. Here is something for you to laugh and probably take serious as well. My wife always said that, when people are not going on leave without any reason, it sometimes mean they are up to something in the office and they need to be watched closely.
Brethren, there was a time my Parish in Ghana was about to celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary. I was in-charge of the entire program and reporting to the Priest and Church Council. I was so much stressed at a point in time and didn’t know what to do. It was around 6:45am, we had closed from morning Mass and I was rushing to my office on my Motor bike. That is when I got involved in a terrible accident which fractured my left leg. Thanks to God, I was conscious all through. While on admission with sever pains, I was also calling for my laptop to complete some of the task. My Parish Priest said to me on one of his visits, ‘Maurice, you need to rest’. In the end, the anniversary went on smoothly without me being involved. Therefore, it is very important as children of God we take rest (be it leave or vacation) from our usual actives. Sometimes even take a sabbatical leave to focus on a new career path or ask God to give you a fresh vision. I also recall in 2022/2023, I had to go on a year’s sabbatical leave to seek God’s direction for my life. Today, by His Grace I see His hand directing my life towards that path.
In today’s sermon, Dr. Stanley calls Christians to follow the example of God in creation, and Jesus in the New Testament, to get alone, get quiet, and rest.  Maybe not from spiritual work, but the busyness of life and the fullness of people’s schedules that have caused you to become exhausted. Dear Loving and Precious Holy Spirit, visit every person listening to this sermon and remove any thongs that are standing in the way to choke the word. Fill them in when you have emptied the heart with all the negatives of this world and let them overflow with your peace, love, hope and joy. Amen.

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL – PART 7

Luke 11:1–13
 
In Luke 18:1 (NIV), “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up”. One of the reasons we fail to see breakthroughs in our lives is because we have put timing on our praying and deadlines on our prayers. Jesus had time to pray and prayed in and out of season. He was God and could have easily commanded His way out of every situation, but he went as far as fasting for 40 days and nights. On the other hand, you and I are not will to sacrifice our just a little time to seek God’s face. I have meet Christians who are full of excuses when you begin to talk about prayers, and such people are satisfied with their state of life. Your current state of life is for you which you can even over flow, but what about spiritual and physical inheritance for your children and grandchildren. Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV) “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children”.
Another reason which is also much critical is praying with sin in our hearts. Not referring only to murder, adultery, stealing, etc. but also to grievous sins like anger, bitterness, jealousy, pride, back-biting and other hidden and secret sins we treasure in our hearts.  Sometimes we turn to deceive ourselves that our prayers will be answered even with us not confessing these sins. Brethren, do not be deceived. Jesus made it very clear to us in Matthew 6:15 (NIV), “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”. If God will not forgive you, then what business do you have praying to him.
In today’s message, Dr. Stanley breaks down the Lord’s Prayer phrase by phrase, so that we can learn how to pray effectively by using the very model that Jesus Himself gave to His disciples. Holy Spirit, come and breakdown any resistance to this message reaching us and let us be impacted by it and take bold steps to steadfast in prayers to our Heavenly Father always. Amen

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL – PART 6

John 8:12-32
 
Dear Child of God, what is your commitment to the word of God. Are you abiding by everything that is in the scriptures or you are choosing and picking what suites you? Back in Senior High school one of our teachers used to make a statement which we felt was funny so we never asked him the meaning, and he said; “A Calculator in the hands of a fool is a dangerous device”. I want to believe in the same way a bible (which is a sword) in the hands of a believer who picks and choose what they want, is also a dangerous weapon. Unfortunately, we do not and cannot leave our Christian life by picking and choosing when this word seems good and when that is not good for us. In 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV), we are reminded “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”. Again 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV), it says “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching”. Therefore brethren, our focus should be studying the totality of the word and not be involved in picking and choosing situation.
In today’s sermon on Discipleship, Dr. Stanly urges believers to continue in the Word of God by studying it, so that we are sustained by it, submit to its authority, and ultimately sharing the Word of God with others. May the Holy Spirit, remove any resistant that may choke the word from penetrating deep into us. Let’s listen to the broadcast and share with others as well.

THROW IT ALL IN

THROW IT ALL IN
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”
She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Acts 5:1–11 (NKJV)
 
For the past days we have been studying the series on discipleship with Dr. Charles Stanley. I wanted to interrupt the session for today and bring you a message the Holy Spirit laid on my heart to share with you. Today’s message is connected to the subject on discipleship. If you have not listened to these series from the beginning, I encourage you to humbly, search for the topic on our YouTube or PodBean Channels. The title of the series is “Discipleship: Was the Command to One Person or to All”.
I want to believe by now you know that the command was not meant for one person, that is your Pastor or that Preacher Man you watch on TV or the Internet, but it is to all of us. Brethren we have failed Jesus in this command and have to rise up and start changing the status-quo. I have the power and authority, you also have that same power and authority which Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit unleashed on all his righteous people. How long have we been sitting on this power and authority, while just a few labors in the vineyard of the Father.  We sit and complain about everything in the Kingdom of God, except our sanctimonious self; however will not lay even a finger to lift anything in the house of God.
While preparing this message, I decided to take a walk to my Place of Prayer in the woods. As I sat meditatively and observe the movement of the quiet and still river, the trees as the wind blows and the chipping and rattling sounds of the birds, I noticed a branch from a tree break off in a distractive sound and slide into the river. As I turned to look, instantly the Spirit of God brought to mind the scripture about the vine and the branches in John 15. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2). Brethren, isn’t this very scary to you that after being in the house of God all your life, just one day you are cut off because you are not bearing any fruits? Don’t you tremble at these words?
In his book “Secret Power: The Secret Success in Christian Life and Work”, D. L. Moody quoted the words of Charles Spurgeon. This is what he said;
“If we do not have the Spirit of God, it were better to shut the churches, to nail up the doors, to put a black cross on them, and say, “God have mercy on us!” If you ministers have not the Spirit of God, you had better not preach, and you people (referring to church members) had better stay at home. I think I speak not too strongly when I say that a church in the land without the Spirit of God is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else’s way; you are a fruitless tree “standing where a fruitful tree might grow.”
We are lukewarm and just like Ananias and Saphira, we have one foot in and one foot out. We don’t want to be committed to anything spiritual. We doubt God can even come through for us when hard times come, so we just put our toughs at the edge of the river; not all foot inside. Brethren, the fate of Ananias and Saphira should make you tremble. Doubting the ability of God to come to your aid in any circumstances is a grievous sin to the Holy Spirit. You simply mean God is a liar and his words (the Holy Scriptures) are unreliable. Contrary to this, Numbers 23:19 tells us “God is not a man, that He should lie; Nor the son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Brethren, how many testimonies have you not heard or sometimes even seen with your own eyes? You are not seeing it happen to you because of your lack of belief in God. It doesn’t mean God is not at work. D. L. Moody said in the same book “The press gives us the daily news of what has taken place. This Bible, however, tells us what is about to take place. This is new (and always fresh); we have the news here in this Book (the bible). It tells us of the things that will surely come to pass, and that is a great deal newer than anything in the newspapers or today the internet (emphasis added).”
Brethren, it is time to make a U-turn and make up for all the years you have been sitting on those pews or chairs with folded harms. It is time to dirty your hands in the vineyard of the Father. You have heard enough of the gospel, it is time for you to also win souls and disciple others.  And as the title of this message goes, ‘Throw it all in, throw it all in’. Don’t leave a pin or thread behind like Ananias and Saphira, or you will regret someday. Burn any bridges behind you, so that you stay focus, because you know there is no bridge for you to walk back. However, if you fail to make that bold decision today, I want you to remember the words of Mordecai to Queen Esther in Esther 4:14, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews (the Kingdom of God) from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish” (emphasis added).
Wherever you are, just sit quietly for a moment and reflect on this message, particularly the story of Ananias and Saphira and other statements. Confess you sins before God and ask the Holy Spirit to empty you of anything that is holding you back from actively involving yourself in the Kingdom of God. Again, invite the Holy Spirit to now fill you with boldness and courage for the task ahead. (Pause and Pray)
Brethren, you know which area in the ministry, God has been laying it on your heart to work, just go for it. The Spirit of God will guide you and cause you to succeed. If you are not sure, just keep praying and ask for direction by the same Spirit and He will show you.
God bless you. Shalom and Peace to you.

DISCIPLESHIP: WAS THE COMMAND TO ONE PERSON OR TO ALL PART 5

John 15:16-27
“Man does not want to be told the hard truth about their life” says Dr. Charles Stanley. In the gospel of John 15:16-27 which is our text for today, Jesus warns his disciples in advance about the challenges they will encounter for choosing to follow his ways. He tells them that the lifestyle of the disciple is supposed to be distinct from what the world knows. We are supposed to show people the right way by doing contrary to what the world knows and will choose. For example, the world will say when you lend or borrow money to someone, put a little interest on it, but Psalm 15:5 tells us “who lends money to the poor without interest”. This is contrary to the teachings of the world because the world will tell you we are in hard times so squeeze people to make some extra money. In today’s sermon, Dr. Charles Stanley throws more light on the life of “The Disciple and the World”. Our life should be distinct from that of the world, people should be able to see through us and reach out to Jesus. They shouldn’t see us leaving a double standard life. Stay tuned and listen to the end. Don’t forget to share with everyone out there. Go ahead and share it even with your Pastors and other men of God. We all need to hear this message of discipleship over and over again. Let the Holy Spirit work and quicken your heart even as you listen.

Promises and Prophecies with Prophet Jeffrey Mbroh

The Promises and Prophecies in the scriptures are true but not automatic. To fulfil the promises of God we have a part to play. We need to persevere and do the will of God. We also need to die to the flesh so that we can persevere in this life.